By Owobu Maureen
The Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has successfully conducted its first-ever online election, marking a historic milestone by embracing digital voting. Following the path paved by the Student Union Government (SUG), the faculty implemented this online process as part of a broader push towards modernisation and transparency in student governance.
The election, which took place between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., allowed students to cast their votes online over a concise two-hour period.
Ayotunde Nicholas Oke, a 400-level student of Optometry, emerged as the newly elected Governor, while Benedicta Uka, a 200-level student of Animal and Environmental Biology (AEB), was chosen as Deputy Governor. Esther Johnson (200-level, Biochemistry) will serve as Secretary-General, with Deborah Osawe-Ogunseri (300-level, Plant Biology and Biotechnology) as Financial Secretary.
Additional key roles were filled by Humphrey Ikheloa (300-level, Environmental Management and Toxicology) and Uyigue Christian Anthony (200-level, Plant Biology and Biotechnology) as Directors of Welfare, Osaigbovo Owie (200-level, Science Laboratory Technology) as Director of Sports, and Abigail Francis Chiamaka (200-level, Microbiology) as Director of Socials.
Rounding out the leadership team are Janet Mary Alunyor (300-level, Biochemistry) as Treasurer, Bridget Okwueze (300-level, Science Laboratory Technology) as Assistant Secretary-General, and Peace Ojonugwa Okpe (300-level, Optometry) as Public Relations Officer.
This pioneering election is expected to usher in a new era for the Faculty of Life Sciences.