By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – The University of Benin on Friday announced the appointment of a professor of constitutional law and governance, Edoba Omoregie (SAN) as the new Vice-Chancellor of the university.

Chairman of the Governing Council of the University, Prof. Shaibu Umaru, announced the appointment on Friday in Benin.

Umaru said Omoregie emerged out of the 27 that applied for the coveted seat and he would be the 11th Vice Chancellor of the University.

The new vice-chancellor would take over from the incumbent, Prof. Lillian Salami whose tenure ends on Dec 1.

Born on April 5, 1969, Prof. Omoregie is a native of Benin and attended the University of Benin for his first, second and third degrees; he was called to the Nigerian bar in 1992 and conferred with the prestigious Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2021.

Meanwhile, a Non-Governmental Organisation Benin United Forum (BUF) has congratulated the Vice-Chancellor elect on his appointment.

The BUF in a press statement signed by Iyamu Osaro Culture- President Osayuki-Osa Benson-Secretary General respectively and made available to newsmen in Benin congratulated Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie on the appointment the group said he deserved.

The statement reads in part, “The Leadership and Stakeholders of Benin United Forum heartily congratulate Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie on his well deserved appointment as the Vice-Chancellor of University of Benin.

“It is no doubt that Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie will bring his wealth of experience to surpass and consolidate on the legacies of his predecessors and our 2009 struggle that paved the way for the first Benin man who was late Professor Osayuki Oshodin that emerged as the Vice-Chancellor of University of Benin.

“To us, the emergence of Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie is not just another victory for the Benin Nation but a milestone for the entire Edo people and Nigerians.

“To this end, we want to thank the outgoing management of University of Benin led by Professor Lilian Imuentiyan Salami, Senate and Governing Council of University of Benin for respecting the wishes of the sovereignty of the Benin Kingdom and the entire Benin people.” Iyamu said.