President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR has commended the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Prof. Edoba Omoregie, SAN, for adopting the federal government’s framework on vocational skills development, highlighting the importance of equipping students with practical skills that meet market demands.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the President and Visitor of the University, expressed his appreciation through a speech delivered by his representative, Prof Owunari Abraham Georgewill, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt at the 51st convocation ceremonies of the institution in Benin, Edo State on Saturday.
The event attracted prominent figures from various sectors. President Tinubu specifically praised Prof. Edoba Omoregie, SAN, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, for his efforts in integrating vocational literacy and launching diverse technical training programs.
He noted that these initiatives are progressive steps that resonate with his administration’s goals to foster practical skills, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
The Artisan Training Programme, implemented in partnership with the Industrial Training Fund, exemplifies this commitment to enhancing skill development.
In his speech, the Chancellor, Prof. James Ayatse advised the federal government to always adjust the salaries of academic staff in Nigerian universities in line with prevailing inflationary trends.
Prof. Ayatse, the Tor Tiv noted that such regular adjustments would nip in the bud future industrial disputes in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
The chancellor said: “The remuneration of academic staff must reflect current economic realities. Linking salaries to inflation will help prevent avoidable industrial disputes and ensure stability in our academic calendar.”
At the ceremony, where a total of 14,083 graduates received degrees and diplomas for the 2024/2025 academic session, the prominent traditional ruler urged the government to clear outstanding salary arrears and increase revitalisation funding across the nation’s public universities.
Prof. Ayatse, who expressed deep concern over the prevailing state of insecurity in the country, advocated for investments in indigenous aerospace technology as a strategic response to banditry and to restore safer road travel across the country.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the university, Prof Shaibu Umaru, commended the Federal Government for reviving long-delayed projects, including the Senate Building conceptualised almost 40 years ago.
Prof. Umaru called on parents and students to take advantage of the national student loan scheme, insisting that global best practice showed that credit-backed education expands access and drives national productivity.
Prof. Omoregie disclosed that 198 of the graduates had first class honours, while 4,217 bagged Second Class Upper, 7,988 graduated with Second Class Lower and 570, Third Class.
