They were all colorfully and elegantly dressed, looking astonishing with the black academic gown crested with the university’s logo at the top left and right corner.

The University looked more beautiful as various decorations all over the campus were in blue, gold and white, which is the institution’s color.

The university auditorium was another sight to behold as chairs were neatly arranged for parents, friends and relatives whom have come to celebrate with their children and wards.

Freshmen of Benson Idahosa University, Edo State, during their matriculation.

The students were looking as excitedly as they walked majestically in cliques into the school main auditorium to be inducted as new students into the University. Many were seen taking pictures in excitement, indeed matriculation is a day that many new students look up to.

That was the scenario at Benson Idahosa University, Edo State, during its matriculation ceremony for the 2016/2017 fresh men who took the oath of matriculation before the institution’s principal officers.

Declaring open the event which signifies the official acceptance of the students into the school, the Director of Academic Planning, Dr Mark Ighile, in line with the school’s tradition said the opening prayers which signaled the opening of the ceremony.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie, while congratulating the new students for their admission into the institution said the privilege given to them came with responsibilities which required the students to take their studies serious.

Speaking on the theme “The importance of the next 48 to 60 months”, he urged the 494 matriculating students to be of good character as the school which was established on the instruction of God is guided by seven core values, enumerating that these values has distinguished the school amongst others in the country.

Izevbigie urged the students to aim for excellence, saying the event marked the beginning of their four to five years academic journey in the school adding that they must be disciplined for them to achieve greatness in life

“As freshmen, I implore you to be receptive of all the good things that could come your way in the lecture halls, hostels, campus, and even in Edo State,” he said

He added, “Our vision is raising academics, professionals and entrepreneurs who will be effective disciples for Christ by excelling in their fields while our mission is raising leaders who are complete in spirit, mind and body.” He told the students

In addition he assured the parents that their Children are in to get the best as the school has the state of the art facilities to aid learning thereby ensuring a smooth running of their programs.

“We are on a mission to raise leaders who can stand the test of time, who can build a virile and just society. Structures have been put in place to ensure a comfortable life for all our students in the areas of security, accommodation, conducive and congenial teaching and learning environment” he added.

According to the Vice Chancellor, academic staff are being encouraged to be more research driven, adding that this will attract grants to the University.

According to him, the University by way of innovation got international recognition by the United States National Academy of Inventors (NAI) as the only affiliate member in the continent of Africa.

The high point of the event was the symbolic signing by representatives of each faculty and the administering of oath by the Registrar.

The Registrar, Rev Mike Okagbare, told the students that the oath is binding on them and they must live up to the expectation of the university which to change Nigeria.

He further urged them not to go against the letters of the oath as it will attract penalties based on the school student disciplinary act.