Benson Idahosa University

Benson Idahosa University
BIU
Motto Academic excellence with Godliness
Type Private
Established February, 2002
Affiliation Church of God Mission International (CGMi)
Chancellor Archbishop Margaret Benson Idahosa OON
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ernest B. Izevbigie FNAI
Location Benin, Edo State, Nigeria
Campus

Ugbor Campus, Benin, Nigeria

Legacy Campus, Okha, Benin, Nigeria
Colors Royal Blue, Gold and white
Website www.biu.edu.ng

Benson Idahosa University also known as BIU is a private, Christian university in Benin City, Nigeria.

BIU (previously named Christian Faith University) was renamed in honor of Archbishop Benson Idahosa, a Charismatic Pentecostal minister from Benin City, Nigeria, and reflects his evangelical beliefs. He was the first president of the university. The current president of Benson Idahosa University Rt. Rev.(Dr.) Faith Emmanuel Benson Idahosa,[1] son of Benson Idahosa, is the Bishop of CGMi Faith Arena and Co-ordinator, Next Generation Leadership (NGL) of the Church of God Mission.

BIU is fully accredited by Nigeria's higher education accreditation body, the National Universities Commission (NUC). BIU is the only university in Africa with International membership with the United States National Academy of Inventors (NAI)[2]. Benson Idahosa University has maintained an enviable record in sports. BIU has maintained the best performance by any private university in Nigeria in all editions of Nigerian Private Universities Games (NPUGA), Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) and West African Universities Games (WAUG). Our Core mandate to CHANGE NIGERIA has driven the university to a strong corporate social responsibility of bringing governance to its environs.

Our University has played host to political and corporate Nigeria icons such as Donald Duke (Executive Governor of Cross River State (1999-2007), Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR (Head of State, Federal Republic of Nigeria (1975-1979) and president, Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999-2007)), Mrs. Cecelia Ibru (Former Managing Director, Oceanic International Bank), (Late) Mrs. Dora Akinyuli (former DG, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control), Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim (chairman and chief executive officer of Global Fleet Group), His Excellency, Adams Oshiomhole (executive Governor, Edo State (2008-2016)).

History

At the dedication of the multi-purpose main muditorium, the founder, Archbishop Benson Andrew Idahosa, said "in 1978, God told me I was going to build a university to the glory of his majesty...only God could have done that, as building a university in Nigeria then was the preserve of Federal and State Governments in Nigeria." [3]

The university commenced its academic programmes as Christian Faith University-Institute of Continuous Learning (CFU-ICL) in 1993 at the Ugbor Campus. Successful candidates were admitted into two faculties- Basic Sciences and Management Sciences. National Diploma degrees were awarded to students on completion of two (2) year programme in affiliation with University of Benin, Benin City and Edo State University, Ekpoma (now Ambrose Ali University, Edo State).

The head of management was referred to as the RECTOR. The rector was Prof. Uche Gbenedio. With support from Mr. Mike Okagbare (Registrar) and Mr. Adams (Bursar). Candidates were admitted into programmes in Computer Science, Computer Technology, Agriculture, Accounting, Economics and Political Science.

The university was later named "Benson Idahosa University" in 1998. in 1999/2000 academic session, BIU had three Faculties - Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences (FBAS), Faculty of Social and Management Sciences (FSMS) and Faculty of Arts and Education (FAE).[4]

The university received the required license to operate as a private university in Nigeria from the National Universities Commission in February, 2002.[5]

The university's fourth faculty is the Faculty of Law (FLAW), which currently has provisional accreditation from the (Nigeria) Council of Legal Education [6] In August, 2015, BIU officially opened its second campus, popularly known as Legacy Campus, Okha, with the movement of Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technologies (FAAT) in August 2015 and commencement of Faculty of Engineering (FENG) in September 2015. Prof. Ben Anyata became the First Dean, Faculty of Engineering in February, 2015.

Convocation

The university had its first convocation ceremony (postgraduate diplomas and bachelor's degrees in arts and sciences) on the 25 September 2004, with Prof. E.T Ehiametalor as pro-chancellor, Prof. Eghosa Osagie as vice chancellor and E.M. Obadan as registrar. The chancellor, Archbishop Margaret Benson E. Idahosa OON, was conferred with a Doctor of Letters degree.

Convocation Ceremony

Year               Convocation Lecturer                     Honorary Doctorate Awardee 
2004                                                        Archbishop Margaret Benson Idahosa- Letters
2005              Prof. Grace Alele-Williams          
2007              
2008              Donald Duke
2009              Chief (Mrs.) Elizabeth Adegbite           Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru - Business Administration
2010              Barr. Jimoh Ibrahim                                         
2011              Comrade Adams A. Oshiomhole               Chief(Mrs.) Stella Okoli - Business Administration
                                                            Maj. Gen. Godwin Abbe  - Public Administration
                                                            Com. Adams Oshiomhole - Political Science
2012                                                        Engr. Goddie Isibor - Business Administration
                                                            Chief Lemon A. Ikpea - Business Administration
                                                            Deacon Daniel Eghobamien - Business Administration
2013              Prof. Julius Ihonvbere                    
2014              Hon. Kingsley Kuku                        Deacon Vincent Agenmonmen - Business Administration
2015              Chief Olusegun Obasanjo                   
2015 (Special)                                              Pastor Chris Oyakhilome - Divinity 
2016              Prof. Sidi Osho


Benson Idahosa University Alumni (BIUA)

Benson Idahosa University Alumni comprises graduates of the then Christian Faith University which later translated into Benson Idahosa University. The purpose of Benson Idahosa University Alumni, as an association, is to enhance networking amongst alumni, engagement with students, and to enable alumni stay connected with their alma mater through leadership programs, volunteer opportunities, philanthropy and reunions.

Alumni groups and chapters have been organized in several states with a view of carrying on the traditions of BIU and to strengthen ties and communication between alumni and the university.

The association has been in existence since 2004, when the first ‘Benson Idahosa University’ graduates were inducted into it. It began to organize programs in 2010 achieved by volunteer efforts of alumni. The impeccable achievements of alumni contribute immensely to the university’s reputation. The university proudly boasts of its notable alumni from different walks of life.

Uti Nwachukwu (Winner, Big Brother Africa 5:All Stars) B.Sc Ed Computer Education 2009[7]
Rev. Wale Feso (Presiding Pastor, Charismatic Renaissance Intl) B.Sc Accounting 2003
Blossom Chukwujekwu (Best Supporting Actor Award at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice 2015 Awards) B.Sc Mass Communication 2008

References

  1. ↑ http://www.biu.edu.ng/about-biu/office-of-the-president/
  2. ↑ http://www.academyofinventors.org/institutions.asp
  3. ↑ http://www.biu.edu.ng/about-biu/history-and-philosophy/
  4. ↑ http://www.biu.edu.ng
  5. ↑ http://nuc.edu.ng/nigerian-univerisities/private-univeristies/
  6. ↑ http://www.nigerianlawschool.edu.ng/
  7. ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/in/uti-nwachukwu-55607865

Coordinates: 6°20′N 5°38′E / 6.333°N 5.633°E / 6.333; 5.633

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