Six outstanding graduating students from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) were honored with the Osasere Osifo Prize for Academic Excellence during the university’s 50th and 51st Convocation Ceremonies. A total of ₦1 million was awarded to the students for their remarkable academic achievements.
The top recipients were Ifeanyi Desmond Sorokwu, the overall best graduating student for the 2021/2022 academic session from Electrical/Electronics Engineering, with a CGPA of 4.96, and James Ojo Alleh, the 2022/2023 overall best from Petroleum Engineering, with a 4.98 CGPA. Both received ₦250,000 each.
In the sponsor’s faculty, Physical Sciences, Miracle Okpaise Augustine emerged as the 2021/2022 top graduate with a CGPA of 4.94, while Oghenero Faith Emumejakpo, the 2022/2023 best from Industrial Chemistry, achieved a CGPA of 4.90. They each received ₦150,000.
From the sponsor’s department, Physics, Emmanuel Etinosa Osewengie, the 2021/2022 best graduate, had a CGPA of 4.31, and Oritsematosan Jeremiah Okotie, the 2022/2023 top student, recorded a 4.42 CGPA. They were both awarded ₦100,000.
The Academic Excellence Prize is an initiative of Engr. Osasere Favour Osifo, a former President of the UNIBEN Students’ Union, who now serves as the Vice President of the University of Benin Alumni Association, North America (UBAANA). He is also a member of the United States Air Force.
Speaking during the award ceremony held at the university on Friday, Engr. Osifo commended the recipients for their exceptional academic performance. He remarked, “You have all proven that quality is never an accident, but the result of intelligent effort, and your intelligent effort is what is being rewarded today.”
“As a proud alumnus of this great institution, it gives me great joy to acknowledge your hard work, dedication, and commitment that have led to this remarkable milestone in your life and academic sojourn at the prestigious University of Benin. Your perseverance and unwavering determination have clearly paid off, and it is truly inspiring to witness your success,” he said.
Engr. Osifo, represented at the event by Comrade Uyi Valentine, a former Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor, and Comrade Ogochukwu Isioma, a journalist and publisher of Campus Gist, emphasized that the Academic Excellence Prize was established to counter the societal trend of celebrating mediocrity while neglecting academic excellence.
“Now in its third Convocation year, the Osifo Osasere Prize for Academic Excellence hopes to inspire University of Benin students to make excellence their cardinal objective as they go through the four walls of the university,” he stated.
He continued, “Today, your accomplishment serves as a testament to your exceptional capabilities. Your passion has set you apart, and it is no surprise that you have achieved such a significant milestone. Your dedication and efforts are a shining example to others, and I have no doubt that you will continue to excel in your future endeavors.”
“Your achievement not only brings pride and joy to yourself but also serves as an inspiration to those around you. You have proven that hard work, perseverance, and a positive mindset can lead to extraordinary outcomes.”
“As you celebrate this significant achievement, take a moment to reflect on the journey that has brought you here. Remember the challenges you overcame, the sacrifices you made, and the support you received along the way. Cherish this moment, as it is a testament to your dedication and unwavering spirit.”
“Once again, congratulations on your remarkable accomplishment! May this achievement be the stepping stone to even greater success and fulfillment in all your future endeavors. We are confident that this award is the beginning of every good thing to come your way, and more than excited to witness the continued growth and achievements in your life,” Engr. Osifo concluded.
The award ceremony was graced by notable officials, including the institution’s Dean of Students, Prof. Clement Ighodaro; Dean of Engineering, Prof. Emmanuel Ogujor; Dean of Physical Sciences, Prof. Emmanuel Aiyohuyin; Head of the Department of Petroleum Engineering, Dr. Ikpomwonsa Ohenhen; Head of Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Prof. Kingsley Ogbeide; and Engr. Salami David from the Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Life Sciences.
