University of Benin (UNIBEN)
Location: Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Type: Public Research University
Founded: 1970
Campuses: 2
Faculties: 15
Library: John Harris Library
Teaching Hospital: University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH)
Overview
The University of Benin (UNIBEN) is a public research university owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria. It was established in 1970 and has two campuses in Benin City. The university's academic facilities are widely spaced across its campus, and it houses 15 faculties and a central library known as the John Harris Library.
History
- Established as Institute of Technology in 1970.
- Became a full-fledged university on 1 July 1971, accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
- Converted to a federal university on 1 April 1975.
John Harris Library
The John Harris Library is the main academic library of UNIBEN. It is named after John Harris, a pioneer university librarian.
- Established: 1970 (with the Institute of Technology)
- Recognized as a university library in 1971 by the NUC
- Location: Opposite the Clinical Student Hostel ("Medical Hostel")
- Overseen by: University Librarian
- Collections: Covers all courses offered at UNIBEN
Branch Libraries
- Faculty of Arts Library
- Faculty of Environmental Science Library
- Faculty of Law Library
- Faculty of Pharmacy Library
- Faculty of Agriculture Library
- Faculty of Education Library
- Faculty of Engineering Library
- College of Medical Sciences Library
- Faculty of Physical Sciences Library
- Faculty of Management Sciences Library
- Faculty of Life Sciences Library
- Faculty of Social Sciences Library
- Medical Sub-Library (UBTH)
College of Medical Sciences
The College of Medical Sciences trains future doctors, surgeons, and healthcare professionals. It consists of:
1. School of Medicine
- Established: 1973 (as Faculty of Medicine)
- Degree: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Duration: 6 years (Full-time)
- Notable Deans:
- Prof. T. Belo-Osagie (Pioneer Dean, 1973–1975)
- Prof. K. Diete-Koki (Successor)
- Prof. Dr. (med.) E. Oviasu (Immediate Past)
- Prof. Wilson E. Sadoh (Current Dean)
2. School of Basic Medical Science
- Launched: January 2004
- Offers B.Sc. degrees
- Supports other schools and faculties (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Sciences)
Departments:
- Anatomy
- Medical Biochemistry
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Nursing Science
- Physiology
- Physiotherapy
- Radiography and Radiation Science
3. School of Dentistry
- Established: 1976
- First academic session: 1976/77
- Degree: Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
- In 2012, introduced Regenerative Endodontics and Microscopic Endodontics with support from IFEA and the University of Texas at Houston
- Spearheaded by Dr. Mbachan Collins Okwen
Faculties at UNIBEN
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Life Sciences
- Faculty of Management Sciences
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Physical Sciences
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- School of Dentistry
- School of Basic Medical Science
- School of Medicine
- College of Medical Sciences
Vice Chancellors
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kenneth Robson Hill | Pioneer VC | |
| T.M. Yesufu | First indigenous VC | |
| Adamu Baike | Second indigenous VC | |
| Grace Alele-Williams | 1985–1991 | Nigeria's first female VC |
| Andrew Onokheroraye | — | |
| Abhulimen Richard Anao | — | |
| Emmanuel Nwanze | — | |
| Osayuki Godwin Oshodin | 2009–2014 | |
| Faraday Osasere Orumwense | 2014–2019 | |
| Lilian Salami | 2019–2024 | |
| Edoba Omoregie | 2024–Present | Current Vice Chancellor |
Notable Alumni
- Enyinnaya Abaribe – Politician
- Oladipo Agboluaje – Actor
- Emmanuel Agwoje – Banker
- Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede – Co-founder, Access Bank Plc
- Winifred Akpani – CEO, Northwest Petroleum & Gas
- Josephine Anenih – Former Minister
- Helen Asemota – Professor of Biochemistry
- Lota Chukwu – Actress
- George Edozie – Artist
- Abiodun Falodun – Rector, Edo State Polytechnic
- Babatunde Fashola – Ex-Governor, Lagos State; Former Minister
- James Ibori – Ex-Governor, Delta State
- Tom Ilube – Tech Entrepreneur
- Wellington Jighere – 2015 WESPA Scrabble Champion
- Kwate – Singer-songwriter
- Patience Maseli – Petroleum Director
- Richard Mofe-Damijo – Actor
- Darlington Obaseki – Medical Doctor, Professor
- Gideon Obhakhan – Ex-Edo Commissioner for Education
- Omoni Oboli – Actress, Director, Producer
- Loretta Ogboro-Okor – —
- Cairo Ojougboh – Politician
- Basketmouth (Bright Okpocha) – Comedian
- Suyi Davies Okungbowa – Author, Scholar
- Ovie Omo-Agege – Senator
- Chike Onuorah – Artist
- Osonye Tess Onwueme – Writer
- Victor Peretomode – Professor
- Benedict Peters – Founder, Aiteo Group
- Amaju Pinnick – Ex-President, NFF
- Ijeoma Uchegbu – Scientist
- Emmanuel Uduaghan – Ex-Governor, Delta State
- Sabina Umeh – Singer
Notable Faculty
- Alexander Oppenheim – Mathematician (1973–1977)
Awards
🏆 Africa Outstanding University of the Year Award – 2023
Photo Gallery
(Not included in this text version)
See Also
- Education in Nigeria(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EducationinNigeria)
- List of universities in Nigeria(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ListofuniversitiesinNigeria)
References & External Links
- 🌐 Official Website – UNIBEN(https://www.uniben.edu)