The University of Benin’s Faculty of Arts is set to celebrate its golden jubilee with a two-day event that will highlight 50 years of academic excellence, cultural contributions, and alumni achievements.
The celebration kicks off on Tuesday, September 16, with a grand opening ceremony led by Professor Osarhieme Benson Osadolor, Dean of the Faculty of Arts.
A major highlight of the anniversary will be the conferment of the Distinguished University of Benin Alumnus Award on a select group of notable individuals who have made remarkable contributions to society.
This prestigious recognition aims to honour graduates of the faculty who have excelled in their various fields, serving as role models and ambassadors of the institution.
Among the award recipients are Prof. Edoba Bright Omoregie, SAN, current Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Distinguished Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, a respected politician, businessman, and public affairs leader, and Rockson Igelige, an ace entertainment law expert widely celebrated for his impact in Nigeria’s creative industry.
Other honourees include Pedro Obaseki, a filmmaker and politician, as well as a number of accomplished alumni from academia, politics, law, and the creative sector.
According to the organisers, the award ceremony is designed to inspire current students by showcasing how the faculty’s alumni have contributed to shaping Nigeria’s social, cultural, and economic landscape.
Prof. Osadolor described the anniversary as “a first of its kind” and a moment to reflect on the faculty’s journey since its establishment in 1975.
He noted that the Faculty of Arts has remained a pillar of intellectual growth, producing graduates who have gone on to excel in literature, history, theatre arts, mass communication, philosophy, languages, and other disciplines.
The two-day event will also feature an anniversary lecture, special performances, and a guided tour of the faculty’s facilities, offering guests a glimpse into its past, present, and future.
The celebrations will conclude on Wednesday, September 17, with closing activities aimed at strengthening the bond between alumni, staff, and students while charting the course for the next 50 years of excellence.
The golden jubilee is expected to draw a diverse audience, including alumni, current students, members of the academic community, and notable figures from across Nigeria.
Organisers say the milestone celebration is not just about looking back but also about inspiring future generations to carry forward the faculty’s legacy of creativity, scholarship, and leadership.
