One of Africa’s most sought-after Universities, the University of Benin, will be 50 years old on 23rd November, 2020.  In view of the significance of the event, the Vice-Chancellor has already approved the composition of several committees to plan and execute a befitting Golden Jubilee celebration for the University.

To be invited to this milestone to give speeches, reminiscences and launch the robust Golden Jubilee Publication, are the present and past Visitors, Chancellors, Pro-Chancellors and Chairmen of Council, Vice-Chancellors, Registrars, Principal Officers, Governors of Edo, Delta and sister-states, students, alumni and other major stakeholders of the University, including the Vice-Chancellors of all Federal, State and Private Universities in Nigeria.

Indeed, having produced over 300,000 graduates (most of whom are leaders, trailblazers and opinion moulders in diverse areas of human endeavours globally) since inception in 1970, in addition to the significant growth that the University has recorded in student population, academic, infrastructural, administrative, social and entrepreneurial development, the University intends to roll out the carpets and drums, fly the flags, display fireworks and flaunt the gold and purple colours in sparkling decoration and display of the great achievements with pomp and ceremony.

All these plans, however, are presently being punctuated by the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic and the ASUU strike, which have resulted in the closure of all universities and other tertiary institutions in the country, with strict restriction on gatherings, travelling, academic, social and religious activities.  With no drugs, vaccine or any far-reaching solution found for the pandemic, and government still contemplating the safest and most convenient ways of re-opening the schools for academic and other activities without increasing the rate of infection, Management wishes to announce, with all sense of responsibility and safety, that should the COVID-19 pandemic and the ASUU strike persist, along-side the current  restrictions still in place by July 2020, it will have no option than to postpone the Golden Jubilee celebration.

Meanwhile, all committees and the Directorate of Alumni Relations and Endowment are enjoined to continue with their Terms of Reference until July, 2020 when the situation will be reviewed and a final announcement made on the Golden Jubilee celebration.  It is also expedient to place on record that no group or persons have been appointed to act in any way or form on behalf of the University on this matter.

May God keep us safe.

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