By Francis Onoiribholo

Copyright independent

The Vice Chancellor, Benson Idahosa University, BIU, Benin City, and Chairman of the Senate, Prof. John Okhuoya, have declared that the University is committed to building graduates, professionals, and entrepreneurs with a Godly heritage.

Prof. Okhuoya disclosed this in his address at the 21st convocation ceremony of the University, just as he implored the newly graduated students to keep making deliberate and focused choices to secure a successful future.

According to the VC, today, we gather here to celebrate not just the end of an academic journey but also the beginning of another journey for these promising young minds, and also to reaffirm the legacy and mission upon which this Institution was founded.

BIU, Okhuoya said, stands as a living testimony of faith, a fruit of faith inspired by the vision of our founder, Archbishop Benson Idahosa, who believed in the transformative power of Christian education, adding that “we are not just an academic institution, we are builders just like our founding Archbishop.

“At Benson Idahosa University, we have two pulpits, one in the classroom and the other in the chapel, because we work in line with the vision of the university, which is to be a model for Academic Excellence with Godliness.

“We are committed to building graduates, professionals, and entrepreneurs with a Godly heritage so that as they are handed their Certificates, we can truly say that they have been found worthy both in learning and in character.

“Today, we graduate a total number of 1108 students made up of 916 undergraduates and 192 postgraduates, of which 107 made first class, 444 second class upper, 314 second class lower degrees, and 51 third class honours.

“This year’s graduation cuts across seven faculties namely, Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Science, Allied Health Sciences, Arts and Education, Engineering, Law, Science and the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences and the School of Postgraduate Studies.

“To our graduating students, the decisions you make starting from today will go a long way in moulding your future.

“As you embark on this journey of life, I want you to know that life is a race that everyone must embark onIndividually, I encourage you to stay intentional, focused, planting positive seeds, and avoid distractions by the crowd”.

While calling on the new graduates to be in touch with their Alma Mater, the VC said, “I want to urge you to also be a part of the BIU Alumni body to remain in touch with your Alma Mater because now you have become partners in progress.

“Today, we are privileged to make history for the first time in Benson Idahosa University as we are instituting the Roll of Honour, a flagship recognition initiative that celebrates our most distinguished alumni.

“These are individuals who have not only achieved remarkable personal success but have also profoundly embodied the core values and vision of this great institution through their exemplary service, visionary leadership, and transformative impact on society.

“This maiden edition will be recognising and honouring three alumni, Hon. Esosa Iyawe for his Distinguished Service in Community Development and National Leadership, Enuwa Omondiagbe, for her Distinguished Service in Business and Enterprise Development and her exceptional spiritual leadership, and Prof. Joy O. Osemwegie-Ero, our first indigenous Professor, for her Distinguished Service and Enduring Contributions to her Alma Mater.

“They are the living embodiment of our vision and a shining demonstration of the BIU spirit”.

Prof. Okhuoya congratulated Distinguished Senator Tunde Ogbeha, former governor of the defunct Bendel State, now Edo and Delta States, who was BIU’s 21st convocation honorary awardee, for his remarkable contributions to the nation and for paving the way for progress and setting a standard for leadership.

The Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, Most Reverend Dr. Margaret E. Benson-Idahosa, in her address, admonished the new graduates to see themselves as the seeds sown in faith and watered by sacrifice.

“You have been nurtured by faculty and staff who have given their best to ensure that you are equipped in mind, in spirit, and in purpose. You have been covered in the prayers, sacrifices, and the unwavering support of your parents and guardians, who have laboured to see you arrive at this moment”.

The President, Benson Idahosa University, Rt Rev. Dr. Faith E. Benson-Idahosa 11, in his message to the graduates said, “See yourselves as the light of the world and Light is useless if it is afraid of darkness.”

“Let your brilliance confront the problems of the world, let your ideas challenge the status quo, let your Integrity confound corruption, and let your faith fuel your future”.