UNIBEN Faculty of Arts at 50: Senator Imasuen Honoured, Calls for Ethical Leadership in Education

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) Faculty of Arts has marked its Golden Jubilee in grand style, celebrating five decades of academic excellence and cultural influence while honouring distinguished alumni and public figures, including Senator Neda Imasuen.

Senator Imasuen, who was conferred with the Distinguished Legislative Leadership Award, used the occasion to reaffirm the role of universities as “laboratories of ideas, nurseries of leadership, and fortresses of truth.” Represented by former Edo State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Orobosa Omo-Ojo, the lawmaker described the anniversary as both “a rare privilege and a solemn duty.”

“Universities are not just centres for certificates; they are platforms to train young minds to serve humanity and transform society,” he said. Addressing the students, he urged them to embrace discipline, creativity, and service, stressing: “Our country needs more than degrees it needs problem solvers, ethical leaders, and courageous citizens. Education is not just about academics; it is about building resilience, character, and responsibility.”

Highlighting his contributions to education in Edo South, Senator Imasuen revealed that he has awarded over 420 scholarships in the past two years, including two to UNIBEN students in the Music and Educational Management departments. He also disclosed that he has paid Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) fees for more than 500 students, introduced vocational programmes for parents in farming, tailoring, and traditional event services, and is planning skills training for 350 youths in boundary security.

On national policy, the Senator pledged his continued support for President Bola Tinubu’s Students Loan Act, describing it as a vital tool to widen access to higher education. He further announced plans to rebuild the Faculty of Arts Lecture Theatre as part of his constituency projects.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Edosa Bright Omoregie, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Victor Ighineweka, hailed the Faculty as “a beacon of intellectual, cultural and humanistic development” that has shaped Nigeria’s academic, artistic, and political landscape.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Francis Egbokhare spoke on the theme “The Place of Humanity in an AI Era,” emphasising that while Artificial Intelligence may advance technology, it cannot replace human values, equity, leadership, and purpose. “The greatest challenges of our world remain humanistic, not scientific,” he stressed.

Dean of the Faculty, Professor Osarhieme, said the Golden Jubilee was not only a celebration of achievements but also a time to honour the sacrifices of founding fathers, staff, and alumni, and to recommit to ideals of integrity and service.

Chairman of the 50th Anniversary Planning Committee and Pro-Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, Chief Dan Orbih, called on UNIBEN to digitise its operations in order to remain globally relevant, pledging to institute a grant to reward academic excellence within the Faculty.

The colourful two-day celebration featured cultural performances, musical showcases, award presentations, and reflections on the Faculty’s journey since its establishment. It was graced by government officials, academics, students, parents, and political leaders, all united in reaffirming UNIBEN’s enduring role as a hub of knowledge and societal transformation.