By Njoku Jennifer

The anticipated Students’ Union Manifesto Day, organised by the Electoral Commission (ELECO), to create a platform for the Students’ Union Executives aspirants to present their agendas and their intentions towards the University of Benin students publicly, commenced at the Festus Iyayi Hall, on July 23rd 2025, at 11:31 a.m.

The anchor of the event, Mr Osato also known as Uniben Osato, started the event with a brief prayer led by one of the electoral body(Eleco), Comrade Christabel. Afterwards, the Anthem of Uniben and the National Anthem followed. With that, everyone settled down as the event gradually moved into its main activities.

Mr Osato welcomed the University’s dignitaries with a standing ovation which included, The University Chief Security Office, Sir Uwaifo, the Dean of Students, Prof Frederick, the Chairman of the Security Committee, the Deputy Registrar and the former Dean of Students, Prof. Clement Igohdaro. He also welcomed different Eleco members from different facilities.

The Dean of Students, Prof Frederick began with his welcoming speech and advised the candidates, establishing that they are no longer aspirants since they have been cleared. He went on to appreciate the candidates for taking the bold step to become leaders and impact change. He warned them not to use abusive words during their manifesto presentation. He further wished the contestants as well as the voters a safe election.

After that, the host, Mr Osato, gave three vital guidelines to guide the candidates during their speech, which included: No form of violence, lobbying towards the success of the election from any dignitaries and the use of a convoy that stirs a threat to the peace of the University.

The Manifesto Speech by each candidate began at exactly noon, with Evah Orevah Godswill from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine contesting for the position of the Public Relations Officer (P.R.O). During his speech, he stated that he had served as a social media manager for the University sports channel and other news-related channels. He promised a content creative hub for the students and channels for them to air their complaints directly to the office of the university members if elected as the institution’s P.R.O. He also stated that he will be productive in delivering accurate news updates.

Chukwu Michael from the Faculty of Education, contesting for the position of the Director of Welfare, during his speech, promised the renovation of hostels, channels to reach out to the University Management directly, upskill programs and exam palliatives.

A candidate from the Faculty of Management Science, Arohkete Sanni, vying for the position of the Director of Sports, mentioned during his manifesto that he will facilitate the infrastructure process of the institution’s sporting society, bring back the VC and Alumni Cup once played in the University. He also promised the Athletes week, and the University of Benin Open Week (Tennis competition).

From the Faculty of Engineering, the Director of Finance gave his speech which he said repeatedly that he will protect the finances of the university. When asked by an anonymous person from the audience about how he would protect the finances of the school, he could not provide a concrete answer.

From the Faculty of Law, Comrade Orji Joy Orie, contesting for the post of Attorney General gave her speech saying she will introduce the Law Clinic Week to every student and other law-abiding concepts to help them understand their rights and not be deprived of them. She concluded by saying she is not abstractive, but ready to work.

The next candidate from Law, Comrade Abah Joseph, also contesting for the position of Attorney General, began with a three point agenda which included the promotion of rights of students saying “We’ll be fed till we are full with our rights’, every faculty having at least two student advocates and channels to reach the students who are being oppressed. Mr Michael from the audience threw a peaceful question to him: “If protest was banned by the school then how would you advocate for the right of students?” The Dean of Students went on to correct that protests were not banned in University of Benin, but were seen as an unintellectual approach to solving problems after which the question was dismissed.

From Ekehuan, Comrade Julius Berger, vying For Director of Socials humbly said he’ll submit himself to service as he is ready to promote events across both campuses, build an environment where entertainment mixes with education and introduce Uniben Talent Hunt as he noticed that the students in the university have great talents that should not be swept underneath the carpet. A question from the public: “How do you promote a social environment in this prestigious environment?” was directed to him, which he gave answers to.

Another candidate, Comrade Godwin contesting for the position of the Public Relations Officer (P.R.O) says he will connect with influencers in promoting updates, passing information on time, and providing accurate news reports. A student from the Faculty of Agriculture asked how he would be able to provide an accurate news report when he did not arrive on time for the event, pointing towards an ironical situation.

Udak Abigail, from the Faculty of Agric, contesting for the Director of Welfare, during her speech spoke without confidence, saying she will organise workshops, and health promotion. Sharon Ooja, a member of the audience, asked,  “How do you plan on incorporating and working with the management to ensure that the campus is ‘healthy and connected’ according to your speech?” A question also, on the responsibilities of the Director of Welfare from the constitutional body was asked but Udak couldn’t provide a confident answer.

Aghedo Marcello AKA Uniben Tax collector, vying for Assistant Secretary General after spending minutes away from his time to greet the audience ended up saying that he will provide a forum to aid the effective service of the ASG.

William from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, coming out for the position of Secretary General, assured that he will promote a student leadership body not just the executives alone.

One of the contestants for the Vice President position from Physical Science, Joseph Blessing, stated that she will bring the reaction between the student and the university management as a student from the Department of Chemistry.

From the Faculty of Life Sciences, Esther Oyimeh, also contesting for the position of VP during her speech, said that she will partner with the Unisphere platform to attend to the interests of the students and work hand in hand with the president to carry out different tasks. She further established that she was a class rep in 100lvl and Secretary-General in 200lvl and with her leadership qualities, she’s ready to serve well.

Shedrack from the Faculty of Social Sciences, contesting for President promised during his speech to create a forum that skils up students, bridging the gap between the student and the management, working with the PRO to create a platform that will reach the mouthpiece of the student better.

From the Faculty of Social Sciences, vying for the Presidential position is Bright Paul popularly known as “Uniben is Bright”, during his speech, he said that he will represent the interests of the students, tackle security issues, ensure the stable welfare of the students and stop harassment during night classes.

Michaelson Oyakhire Ohimai from the faculty of BMS, contesting for President, said, “I am here to serve, provide a valuable agenda which includes lighting up Uniben, preserving the souls of the social environment, tackle insecurity in the campus, and work hand in hand with the director of welfare to attend to the interest of the student”. Anita Eugene asked if he’s aware of the current issues happening in the hostel to which he provided an assertive response of being aware.

From the faculty of Pharmacy, Christopher Destiny also contesting for President says he’ll provide workable cost of goods and services where there are no unnecessary increases in prices, work hand in hand with the security team, and enhance a workable scholarship scheme for students. He spoke on working with dialogue and not creating an environment fostered with protest.

The event came to an end with a closing remark from the Dean of Students, Prof. Frederick, who wished all the candidates good luck in the upcoming elections and reminded them of the importance of integrity in leadership. As students await the outcome, many hope that the winners will not just speak well, but lead well, keeping to their promises and truly representing those who elected them

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