UNIVERSITY OF BENIN (UNIBEN) ANNOUNCES MATRICULATION CEREMONY

The University Management has officially ratified Wednesday, 28th January, 2026, as the date for the 2025/2026 Matriculation Ceremony. This milestone event serves as the formal gateway for all newly admitted students to be integrated into the academic and social fabric of our prestigious institution.

To ensure a dignified and orderly celebration, the University has established a comprehensive framework for the procurement, distribution, and return of academic regalia. All Faculty Officers and matriculating students are required to adhere strictly to the following directives to avoid penalties and ensure the success of this academic rite of passage.

Procurement of Academic Outfits for Faculty Officers

Faculty Officers act as the primary liaison between the central university stores and the students. Management has directed all Faculty Officers to collect academic outfits from the Ceremonial Stores located behind the University Basement.

The collection window is strictly scheduled from Thursday, 22nd January to Monday, 26th January, 2026. To prevent overcrowding and logistical delays, a specific distribution schedule based on faculties has been implemented.

Detailed Distribution Schedule

Faculty Officers must present themselves at the Ceremonial Stores between 9:00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. on their assigned days:

1. Thursday, 22nd January, 2026

The following faculties and institutes are scheduled for the first day of distribution:

• Faculty of Arts

• I.P.A.E.S

• Faculty of Agriculture

• Faculty of Environmental Sciences

• Faculty of Pharmacy

• Faculty of Industry

• School of Basic Clinical Sciences

• Institute of Education

2. Friday, 23rd January, 2026

The second wave of distribution covers these major academic blocks:

• Faculty of Education

• School of Basic Medical Sciences

• Faculty of Engineering

• Faculty of Law

• Faculty of Life Sciences

• Faculty of Management Sciences

• Faculty of Medicine

• Distance Learning Centre

3. Monday, 26th January, 2026

The final day of collection is reserved for the remaining specialized faculties and schools:

• Faculty of Physical Sciences

• Technical & Vocational Education

• Communication and Media Studies

• Computing and Information Sciences

• Faculty of Social Sciences

• Nursing Sciences

• Optometry

• Science Laboratory Technology

• Veterinary Medicine

Retrieval and Return Policy

The responsibility of the Faculty Officer extends beyond distribution; they are also tasked with the systematic retrieval of all university property.

• Return Commencement: The process of returning outfits to the point of collection begins on Wednesday, 4th February, 2026.

• Documentation of Defaulters: Faculty Officers are required to submit a comprehensive list of defaulters—students who failed to return their outfits on time—alongside the retrieved gowns.

• Late Return Fines: Students identified as defaulters will be referred to Room 19, Publications and Documentation Unit within the Vice Chancellor’s Office for the processing of late return fines.

Essential Information for Matriculating Students

To ensure you are fully prepared for the ceremony on Wednesday, 28th January, please observe the following student-specific guidelines:

1. Gown Collection: Contact your Faculty Office immediately following the collection dates mentioned above to receive your specific department’s instructions for gown pickup.

2. Attendance: Participation in the Matriculation Ceremony is mandatory for all fresh students. It is the moment you formally take the matriculation oath and sign the university register.

3. Preservation of Regalia: Students are legally responsible for the condition of their gowns. Ensure the hood, gown, and cap are returned in the same condition they were received to avoid damage surcharges.

4. Punctuality: On the day of the ceremony, students should be seated at the designated venue at least 45 minutes before the commencement of the academic procession.

Summary Table: Key Deadlines

The Matriculation Ceremony is a proud tradition that signals the start of your intellectual journey. We urge all Faculty Officers and students to demonstrate a high level of responsibility in following these administrative directives.

Congratulations to all the new students of the 2025/2026 Academic Session!