The University of Benin (UNIBEN), yesterday commenced its two-day Management Strategic Retreat 2025, titled “Sharing the Vision: Strategies for Optimal Performance” bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the institution’s future direction and strategies for achieving optimal performance.
In an opening remark, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edoba B. Omoregie, SAN, warmly welcomed all participants, acknowledging the presence of the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Principal Officers, Deans, Directors, and resource persons. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts in advancing the university’s goals and aligning with global best practices in higher education.
The retreat is strategically designed to strengthen the Vice-Chancellor’s Five-Point Agenda, with emphasis on:
1. Strengthening the degree programme – ensuring that academic programmes align with emerging national and global trends.
2. Positioning UNIBEN as an innovation hub – establishing the university as a center for capacity building and skills acquisition across disciplines and vocations.
3. Enhancing staff and student welfare – implementing policies that prioritize the well-being of staff and students.
4. Improving infrastructure – expanding access to electricity, enhancing internet connectivity, upgrading hostels and office spaces, and promoting environmentally friendly initiatives.
5. Fostering harmonious relationships – strengthening engagements with staff and student unions, as well as building positive relationships with the university’s immediate neighboring communities.
In line with the agenda, the retreat featured insightful lectures by distinguished scholars.
Professor Michael O. Faborode: is a Former Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (2006-2011), and currently serves as President of PASAE (Pan African Society for Agricultural Engineering), based in Pretoria, South Africa., He was the Secretary-General, Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU) and of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Federal Universities. A frontline academic and astute administrator delivered a keynote lecture titled “The Making of a 21st Century University,” offering perspectives on modern university governance, innovation, and sustainability. Additionally, another distinguished scholar, Professor Joel B. Babalola presented a lecture on “Empowering Excellence and Innovation: UNIBEN Strategic Plan 2025-2030,” outlining a roadmap for the university’s continued growth and academic excellence.
The retreat continues today at the same venue in its second day as scheduled.
