The Osasere Osifo Prize for Academic Excellence has honoured six (6) best graduating students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in the just-concluded 50th and 51st combined Convocation Ceremonies of the institution with N1 million.
The awardees include Ifeanyi Desmond Sorokwu, the overall best graduating student for the 2021/2022 academic session from Electrical/Electronics Engineering, with 4.96 CGPA and James Ojo Alleh, the overall best graduating student for the the 2022/2023 academic session from Petroleum Engineering, with a CGPA of 4.98. They were both awarded N250,000 each.
For the sponsor’s Faculty, Physical Sciences, Miracle Okpaise Augustine, the overall best graduating student for the 2021/2022 academic session with 4.94 CGPA and Oghenero Faith Emumejakpo (Miss), 2022/2023 best graduating student with 4.90 CGPA — both from Industrial Chemistry — were awarded N150,000 each.
Similarly, for the sponsor’s Department, Physics, Emmanuel Etinosa Osewengie, 2021/2022 best graduating student with 4.31 CGPA and Oritsematosan Jeremiah Okotie, 2022/2023 best graduating student with 4.42 CGPA, were both awarded N100,000 each.
The Academic Excellence Prize is an initiative of Engr. Osasere Favour Osifo, a former President of the UNIBEN Students’ Union, who is currently the Vice President of the University of Benin Alumni Association, North America (UBAANA), and also a member of the United States Airforce.
Speaking at the award ceremony held at the University of Benin on Friday, Engr. Osifo Congratulated the awardees for their distinguished academic achievement and accomplishment, noting, “you have all proven that quality is never an accident, but the result of intelligent effort and your intelligent effort is what is being rewarded today.”
“As a proud alumnus of this great institution, it gives me great joy to acknowledge your hard work, dedication, and commitment that have led to this remarkable milestone in your life and academic sojourn at the prestigious University of Benin. Your perseverance and unwavering determination have clearly paid-off, and it is truly inspiring to witness your success.”
Engr. Osifo, who was represented by Comrade Uyi Valentine, a former Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor and Comrade Ogochukwu Isioma, a journalist and publisher of Campus Gist, noted that in today’s society where celebrating mediocrity and shunning academic excellence is fast becoming a norm, the Academic Prize came on board to change the narrative.
“Now in its third Convocation year, the Osifo Osasere Prize for Academic Excellence hopes to inspire University of Benin students to make excellence their cardinal objective as they go through the four walls of the university,” he said.
“Today, your accomplishment serves as a testament to your exceptional capabilities. Your passion have set you apart, and it is no surprise that you have achieved such a significant milestone. Your dedication and efforts are a shining example to others, and I have no doubt that you will continue to excel in your future endeavors.
“Your achievement not only brings pride and joy to yourself but also serves as an inspiration to those around you. You have proven that hard work, perseverance, and a positive mindset can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
“As you celebrate this significant achievement, take a moment to reflect on the journey that has
brought you here. Remember the challenges you overcame, the sacrifices you made, and the support you received along the way, cherish this moment, as it is a testament to your dedication and unwavering spirit.
“Once again, congratulations on your remarkable accomplishment! May this achievement be the stepping stone to even greater success and fulfillment in all your future endeavors. We are confident that this award is the beginning of every good thing to come your way, and more than excited to witness the continued growth and achievements in your life,” Engr. Osifo concluded.
Those present at the Award ceremony include the institution’s Dean of Students, Prof. Clement Ighodaro; Dean of Engineering, Prof. Emmanuel Ogujor; Dean of Physical Sciences, Prof. Emmanuel Aiyohuyin; Head of Department of Petroleum Engineering, Dr. Ikpomwonsa Ohenhen; Head of Department of Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Prof. Kingsley Ogbeide and Engr. Salami David from the Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Life Sciences.
