The Osasere Osifo Prize for Academic Excellence has honoured six of the best graduating students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in the recently concluded 49th and 50th combined Convocation Ceremonies of the institution, awarding them N1 million.
The awardees include Ifeanyi Desmond Sorokwu, the overall best graduating student for the 2021/2022 academic session from Electrical/Electronics Engineering, with a CGPA of 4.96, and James Ojo Alleh, the overall best graduating student for the 2022/2023 academic session from Petroleum Engineering, with a CGPA of 4.98. They were each awarded N250,000.
For the sponsor’s faculty, Physical Sciences, Miracle Okpaise Augustine, the overall best graduating student for the 2021/2022 academic session with a CGPA of 4.94, and Oghenero Faith Emumejakpo (Miss), the best graduating student for 2022/2023 with a CGPA of 4.90—both from Industrial Chemistry—were awarded N150,000 each.
Similarly, for the sponsor’s department, Physics, Emmanuel Etinosa Osewengie, the 2021/2022 best graduating student with a CGPA of 4.31, and Oritsematosan Jeremiah Okotie, the 2022/2023 best graduating student with a CGPA of 4.42, were each awarded N100,000.
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 Air Force.
Speaking at the award ceremony held at the University of Benin on Friday, Engr. Osifo congratulated the awardees for their distinguished academic achievements and accomplishments, noting: “Your accomplishments are a testament to the timeless truth that excellence is never accidental but the result of consistent effort, hard work, and determination.”
“As a proud alumnus of this prestigious institution, I am filled with immense joy and pride as we recognise and celebrate your dedication, commitment, and perseverance. These qualities have brought you to this significant milestone in your academic journey at the University of Benin. Your unwavering determination and exceptional performance have indeed set you apart.”
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 a society increasingly inclined to celebrate mediocrity while sidelining academic excellence, the Academic Prize was established to challenge this narrative and inspire a shift in perspective.
“Now in its third year, the Osasere Osifo Prize for Academic Excellence aims to motivate University of Benin students to prioritise excellence as they navigate their educational journey,” he said.
“Today, your achievements serve as proof of your incredible capabilities and stand as an inspiration to all who aspire for greatness. Your passion, resilience, and commitment have propelled you to this milestone, and I have no doubt that these same attributes will drive you to even greater accomplishments in the future.
“On behalf of the Scholarship Board of the Osasere Osifo Prize for Academic Excellence, I wish to express our profound admiration and heartfelt congratulations. Your success is not only a personal victory but also a source of pride and motivation for others. You have demonstrated that hard work, perseverance, and a positive mindset yield extraordinary outcomes.
“As you celebrate this well-deserved recognition, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your journey—the challenges you have overcome, the sacrifices you have made, and the support you have received. This celebration is a reminder of the incredible strength and resilience you possess. Cherish this moment, as it represents the fruits of your labour and a foundation for future achievements.
“Once again, congratulations on your remarkable success! I am confident that this award marks the beginning of even greater accomplishments in your academic and professional pursuits. I look forward to witnessing your continued growth and impact in your chosen paths.
“May this achievement serve as a stepping stone to new heights, and may you always remember that the pursuit of excellence is a lifelong endeavour,” Engr. Osifo concluded.
Those present at the award ceremony included the institution’s Dean of Students, Prof. Clement Ighodaro; Dean of Engineering, Prof. Emmanuel Ogujor; Dean of Physical Sciences, Prof. Emmanuel Aiyohuyin; Head of the Department of Petroleum Engineering, Dr. Ikpomwonsa Ohenhen; Head of the Department of Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Prof. Kingsley Ogbeide; and Engr. Salami David from the Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Life Sciences.
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