BENIN CITY  – The Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Area, Hon. Romeo Omoike, was among the graduands at the 22nd Convocation Ceremony of Benson Idahosa University (BIU),  held at the university’s permanent site on Sapele Road, Benin City.

A total of 1,324 students comprising 1,059 undergraduates and 265 postgraduates, graduated from the institution, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. John Aroye Okhuoya, announced.  

According to him, 144 made First Class, 490 Second Class Upper, 377 Second Class Lower, and 48 Third Class degrees.

Hon. Omoike, an alumnus of the institution, earlier bagged a B.Sc in Political Science and has now added a Master’s degree in Public Administration  with flying colours.

Commending him, Prof. Okhuoya described Omoike as one of BIU’s products who has distinguished himself and is poised to make a difference in public service.  

“The institution has equipped him with the knowledge and values required to contribute meaningfully to society,” the VC said.

The Acting Registrar, Osasuyi Ogbeide also praised Omoike, recalling his relationship with him from his undergraduate days.  

“Romeo has been my student from his undergraduate days. He distinguished himself by remaining humble despite his status as an elected public official,” Ogbeide said.  

He added that Omoike never allowed his political office to create a barrier between him and the university community.

Speaking with journalists after the ceremony, Hon. Omoike charged politicians and leaders to prioritise self-development, stressing that meaningful societal transformation begins with personal growth.

“The only way we can give meaningful development to society is to develop ourselves,” he said.  

“You cannot give out what you don’t have. When you have the knowledge, you have the experience, you have the exposure, then whatever we see outside, we now want to bring it to our immediate environment.”

He noted that learning does not end in the classroom, adding that relationships, travel and exposure to different environments also broaden one’s understanding.  

He however concluded that learning should be a lifelong process.