Erasmus Ikhide
The University of Benin also known as UNIBEN is one of Nigeria’s first generation federal universities. It was founded in 1970. It started as an Institute of Technology and was accorded the status of a full-fledged University by National Universities Commission (NUC) on 1 July 1971.
In his Budget Speech in April 1972, the then Military Governor of Mid-Western State, Col. S. O. Ogbemudia then also Visitor to the University announced the change of the name of the Institute of Technology to the University of Benin. On 1 April 1975 the University at the request of the State Government, was taken over by the Federal Government and became a Federal University. Since the inception of the institution, it has produced eight substantive Vice chancellor.
Prof. Faraday Osasere Orumwense, by devine providence on November 30, 2014 assumed office as the 9th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin. Prior to his appointment as Vice-Chancellor of the University, He had over two decades of experience in University administration in various capacities, the climax being his appointment by the Edo state Government as pioneer Rector of the state owned Institute of Management and Technology, Usen.
Since his stewardship as the Vice Chancellor in the last three and a half years, there has been rapid development evenly cut across various strata of the University which has distinguished his track records. The relative primacy of peace in any given environment cannot be overemphasized, as it remains an important ingredients in the realization of an organization’s goals and objectives. The enthronement of peace and tranquility remains a cardinal objective of this administration. Added to this, is an uninterrupted academic calendar. The modest achievement of his administration at ensuring peace in our campuses is borne out of the belief that nothing can be achieved in an atmosphere of rancor.
Professor Orumwense, was very clear on staff and students welfare in his first appearance as the university gaffer saying it was a major factor to improve upon recalling his predecessor’s prompt payment payment of workers entitlements during his tenure. The former Dean of Students, Prof Francis Osagiede, harps on Prof Orumwense’s visionary leadership thus: “Orumwense has matched words with action as the administration placed huge premium on the welfare of staff and students. To this end, the administration remains committed to regular promotion of staff as at when due with their entitlement paid.
“Our pensioners are not left out as we remain committed to their welfare. The administration is also leaving no stone unturned to create a befitting environment for learning. In pursuance of this, the administration has put in place an up to-date routine maintenance of existing public utilities on campus”. The administration in its effort to strengthen the committee system of university administration and more importantly evolves an all inclusive system of administration successfully conducted the 2015 congregation election, where members of staff were elected into various committees for the smooth running of the University.
The ugly incidence of cultism and other associated vices have been reduced to the barest minimum with the increased level of security surveillance made possible through the procurement of six patrol vehicles by this administration. In his words the VC says: “I am happy to inform you that students now sleep with their two eyes closed and are also not afraid to go about their lawful academic and extra curricular activities without fear of molestation”. The State of ICT Platforms in University of Benin has improved tremendously following series of upgrades to international standard embarked upon under the administration of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Orumwense.
“It is with a sense of fulfillment that we announce to you that the University of Benin is the first University in Nigeria to develop software independently for the Computer based Test (CBT) for PUME/PUDE and other internal and external examinations,” he stated. He further explained that the Network operation Centre (N.O.C. Room) of the University has been upgraded with the support of the NCC and NUC administration to an international standard that can accommodate the 155mbps. The ICT/CRPU of the University of Benin has also been able to put the following in place: Deployment of E-learning Multimedia platform, Deployment of E-Senate meetings/Result presentation, Successfully linked Facilities, Units, and Hostels with fiber optics.
An astroturf football pitch was provided, just as the university embarked on the construction of 500-capacity female hostel, construction of golf course building, construction of safety & environmental education building, construction of an ultramodern library in college of medicine, construction of Botanical gardens research building, re-grassing of main bowl football pitch, among others.
That the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) licensed the University of Benin (UNIBEN) to generate and operate a 7.5 megawatt Independent Power Plant (IPP) within its campus, is also a testimony to the dynamism of the astute academician. He also initiated different awards to reward outstanding lecturers like the ‘Distinguished Research and Innovative Achievement Award (DRIAA) to reward researchers in the school who have carved a niche for themselves.
Since the inception of his administration have with academic activities in the University of Benin taken a giant leap. The academic programmes, both undergraduate and post-graduate have run smoothly, placing the University of Benin on second position in the National Universities Commission accreditation. A significant part of the intellectual foot-prints of his administration is the attraction of the following Centres of Excellence to the University, as well as the award of Scholarships/Research grants to staff and students of the University.
As part of efforts of his administration in building capacity on ICT proficiency for both teaching, non-teaching as well as students of the University, the CRP/ICT Unit of the University of Benin successfully held its 2017 edition of ICT Day the second in successive years, with the theme ‘Unlimited Access to Learning for Everyone Everywhere: ICT the Rostrum’’ The lecture with the topic’ Continuous Learning, the Role of ICT: Free Online Course’ from Abuja by Dr. Joshua Attah, Director NgREN, National Universities Commission Abuja via the use of video conference.
In his words, Prof. Orumwense says,” Inaugural Lectures Our commitment to a culture of academic excellence remains unwavering. Under my watch, a total of fourty-nine inaugural lectures have been delivered since December, 2014 to date”. The Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation (CERHI), is a World Bank supported programme aimed at building capacity for reproductive health policies and programmes within West and Central Africa’s tertiary education system.
The University of Benin Centre Of Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation is the only of its kind in the West African Sub-region.
Ikhide writes from Lagos.