By Ebere Ezennaya – It was not until April 1972, then military governor of mid western state, Col S.O. Ogbemudia formally announced the change of the name of the Institute of Technology from an Institute of Technology to the University of Benin after it was founded on 23rd November, 1970.
On April 1st, 1975, University of Benin was taken over by the federal government of Nigeria upon a request by the state government.
Meanwhile, the institute of technology was formally recognized as full fledged University by the National Universities Commission on July 1st, 1971.
In 1974, a renowned economist, Prof Tijani Momodu Yesufu was appointed the first Vice Chancellor of University of Benin.
In 1985 Prof Grace Alele Williams became the first female Vice Chancellor in Nigeria. She led the University of Benin from 1985 till 1992.
Prof Grace Williams who’s as well the first lady to bag a doctorate degree in Nigeria was a great teacher of mathematics.
Professor Abhulimen Anao became the Vice Chancellor of University Of Benin after Nigeria returned to democratic system of government.
Professor Anao presided over the affairs of the institution between 1999 and 2004.
At the end of his tenure, Professor Emmanuel Nwanze was appointed the new Vice Chancellor of University Of Benin. The emergence and leadership of Professor Nwanze faced huge challenges from oppositions who felt that an Ibo tribe cannot occupy the number position in the institution.
Prof Emmanuel Nwanze left office in 2009 after completing his stay in office.
His exit gave room for the emergence of Prof Osayuki Godwin Oshodin as the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of University Of Benin.
Prof Oshodin who is also authority in Health Education was recognized to have performed creditably more than his predecessors.
Prof Osayuki Godwin Oshodin left office in 2014 at the end of his tenure.
Comrade Adams Oshiomole who was the serving Governor at this time appointed Prof. Faraday Osasere Orumwense as new Vice Chancellor to succeed Prof. Osayuki Godwin Oshodin.
In 2019, Prof. Faraday Orumwense paved way for the coming on board of Prof. Lilian Salami.
Prof. Lilian Imuetinyan Salami, authority in Home Economics, is the second female Vice Chancellor of the University Of Benin.
Her tenure is expected to end in 2024.