UNIVERSITY OF BENIN (UNIBEN) ANNOUNCE POSTGRADUATE ORIENTATION AND MATRICULATION CEREMONY

The management of the University of Benin, under the distinguished chairmanship of PROFESSOR EDOBA B. OMOREGIE, SAN, Vice Chancellor and Chief Host, has officially scheduled the Orientation and Matriculation Ceremonies for newly admitted postgraduate students for the 2025/2026 academic session. These events are designed to formally welcome the new postgraduate cohort into the University community, provide critical information about academic and administrative procedures, and set the stage for a successful academic journey.

Ceremony Details

Provost / Host: PROF. DAVID NOSAKHARE IZEKOR

Date: Thursday, 9th April, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM (Students and guests are requested to be seated by 8:30 AM)

Venue: Akin Deko Auditorium, Ugbowo Campus, University of Benin

The ceremonies will be conducted in accordance with university protocols and will include both an orientation session for postgraduate students and the formal matriculation, which marks the official enrollment of students into their respective programs.

Purpose and Importance of the Orientation

The Orientation segment of the event is a critical component of the postgraduate academic experience. It serves multiple purposes:

1. Introduction to University Regulations and Academic Expectations: Postgraduate students will receive detailed guidance on the academic regulations, including course registration procedures, research ethics, submission timelines for assignments, thesis or dissertation guidelines, and expectations for attendance and participation.
2. Administrative Guidance: Students will be informed about essential administrative procedures such as access to the university portal, payment of tuition and fees, collection of student identification cards, library registration, and use of university facilities.
3. Familiarization with Campus Facilities: Orientation provides students with the opportunity to navigate the Ugbowo Campus and familiarize themselves with lecture halls, departmental offices, research laboratories, student support services, and recreational facilities.
4. Introduction to Faculty and Staff: Students will meet the faculty members, heads of departments, and administrative staff who will provide academic mentorship and support throughout their postgraduate journey.
5. Networking and Community Integration: The orientation fosters a sense of belonging and encourages students to interact with peers across different faculties, helping them to build networks that will enhance their academic and professional development.

Matriculation Ceremony

The matriculation ceremony represents the formal induction of students into the postgraduate body of the University of Benin. During this event, students will:

• Recite the matriculation oath, pledging to uphold the values, ethics, and academic integrity of the University.
• Receive formal recognition as members of the postgraduate academic community.
• Be officially welcomed by the Vice Chancellor, the Provost, Deans, and other senior academic staff.

This ceremony is symbolic, reflecting the commitment of students to academic excellence and the University’s dedication to nurturing scholars who will contribute to knowledge, research, and societal development.

Expectations of Students

All newly admitted postgraduate students are expected to:

• Arrive at the venue promptly by 8:30 AM to ensure a smooth commencement of the program.
• Dress in appropriate academic attire if required or formal attire as specified by the university.
• Bring along any required documentation for verification, including admission letters, identification, and any correspondence previously issued by the university.
• Actively participate in the orientation sessions, paying attention to instructions regarding academic registration, coursework requirements, and research protocols.

Students are reminded that attendance at the orientation and matriculation is mandatory. Non-attendance may affect registration clearance and access to certain academic resources, including library services, lecture materials, and online portals.

Guidance on Academic Registration

During the orientation, postgraduate students will receive guidance on:

1. Course Registration: Detailed instructions on enrolling in courses for the semester, accessing online course materials, and confirming course loads through the University portal.
2. Research Registration: For research-based programs, students will learn about the procedure for registering thesis or dissertation topics, selecting supervisors, and adhering to research submission deadlines.
3. Payment Procedures: Students will be briefed on tuition fees, service charges, and payment platforms, including online and offline payment methods accepted by the University.
4. Library Access and Resources: Orientation will cover how to access academic journals, research databases, electronic books, and other scholarly resources.
5. Student Welfare and Support Services: Guidance will be provided on health services, counseling, career development programs, and extracurricular activities that support holistic student development.

Importance for Academic Success

The orientation and matriculation ceremonies are more than symbolic events—they provide essential information and establish a foundation for academic success. Participation ensures that students:

• Understand the academic culture of the University.
• Become familiar with regulations, research expectations, and administrative processes.
• Have access to resources necessary for timely completion of their programs.
• Establish connections with faculty and administrative staff who will guide them through their academic journey.

Role of the University Administration

The University of Benin, under the leadership of PROFESSOR EDOBA B. OMOREGIE, SAN, emphasizes its commitment to providing a supportive environment for postgraduate students. The administration ensures that all facilities are available for effective learning, research, and professional development. By hosting comprehensive orientation and matriculation ceremonies, the University reinforces its dedication to student welfare, academic excellence, and the cultivation of future leaders in various fields of study.

Health and Safety Measures

In line with the University’s commitment to student safety, the following measures will be in place:

• Adherence to campus security protocols to ensure orderly entry and exit.
• First-aid stations and medical personnel on standby for any emergencies.
• Compliance with health guidelines regarding hygiene and emergency response procedures within the auditorium.

Conclusion

The University of Benin’s Postgraduate Orientation and Matriculation Ceremonies for the 2025/2026 academic session represent a significant milestone for newly admitted students. These events provide the opportunity to formally integrate students into the academic community, understand university protocols, and prepare for the rigorous demands of postgraduate study.

The management encourages all students to approach the ceremonies with seriousness and enthusiasm, recognizing that this event is the first step toward a successful postgraduate experience. The Provost, PROF. DAVID NOSAKHARE IZEKOR, and the entire academic staff look forward to welcoming students into the University of Benin family and providing guidance, support, and mentorship throughout their academic journey.

Students and guests are reminded to be seated by 8:30 AM to facilitate a timely commencement of the program.

For further information or inquiries, students may contact the University’s admissions office or the postgraduate program coordinators through the official University of Benin website or the provided contact numbers.