The University of Benin (Nigeria)
http://www.uniben.edu/ TheUniversity of Benin was founded on23 November 1970 by the then Midwestern State Government initially as the Midwest Institute of Technology. The Institute achieved full University status in July 1971 when it was recognized by the National Universities Commission and became theUniversity of Benin. In August 1975, the University was taken over by the Federal Government. At thirty years in November 2002, the University has solid achievements and expanding national and international reputation built upon a sense of enterprise, resourcefulness, creativity, innovativeness, astute diplomacy, patriotism, excellence and service.
The University has remained faithful to its founding philosophy which is encapsulated in the motto "Knowledge for Service". Its original objective was to produce high-level human resources in the scientific and technological fields but this perspective quite early assumed a wider focus to embrace the humanistic branches of Arts, Social Sciences, Education and Law. The roots of knowledge increasingly became deeper but the general orientation of the products has always been the same and that is to offer exemplary service to the immediate community, to the nation, to the international academic community and to humanity as a whole.
TheUniversity of Benin is generally referred to as the last of the first generation Universities but in the words of a founding Vice Chancellor, it is also a strong bridge between the early Universities and later second and third generation tertiary institutions. Its commitment to intellectual traditions and high standards of teaching and research as well as its dedication to service has combined to enhance its image as the most sought after University by potential students. It has become a bastion of learning with a potentially great future.
Academic ProgramsThe University started with three Faculties, namely Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Engineering. The number of Faculties increased to five in 1974 and 1975 when the Faculties of Education, and Arts and Social Sciences were added, respectively. Since then the University has continued to grow and has virtually exploded in the rising number of Departments as well as the diversity of academic programs. In the 2002/2003 session, the academic structure of the University is as follows:
College of Medical Sciences
School of Basic Medical Sciences
School of Dentistry
School of Medicine
Institute of Child Health
School of Postgraduate Studies
Faculties o
Faculty of Agriculture o
Faculty of Educationo Faculty of Law
o
Faculty of Science o
College of Medicine o
Faculty of Arts o
Faculty of Engineering o
Faculty of Pharmacy o
Faculty of Social ScienceAutonomous Institutes
Institute of Education
Institute of Public Administration and Extension Services
AdmissionsLike other Universities inNigeria, candidates seeking admission into the undergraduate program should possess at least a good Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSC) or equivalent. To be admitted into the first year (100 levels) program, candidates are also expected to have obtained an acceptable score (not below 200) in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Examination (JAMB). For direct entry into the second year (200 level), a candidate must possess at least an Advanced Level Certificate or equivalent in addition to the SSC requirement. Candidates wishing to be admitted for postgraduate studies must possess degrees or Higher National Diplomas from recognized institutions of higher learning. The School of Postgraduate Studies handles all postgraduate admissions in the University.
Library ServicesThe University Main Library, John Harris Library, was named after the pioneer University Librarian, Prof John Harris, fromNew Zealand. The Library came into existence with the inception of the University in 1970 at the Ekehuan Road Campus.
The building is designed to seat about 700 readers. It provides photocopying, duplicating, laminating and binding services for readers. Computerization of the library and the installation of other modern information technology facilities are currently in progress.
With the high increase in student population, the library has embarked on an expansion program of Library system with the establishment of Faculty Libraries of whichEkehuan Road campus Library, Medical Library and Pharmacy Library are functional.
The Library participates in inter-library co-operation among Nigerian academic libraries.
ResearchThe University strongly encourages research in diverse academic disciplines. Emphasis is placed on inter-disciplinary collaborative researches that are geared towards solving local, national and international problems. Many University staff has won international research awards and prizes.
Funds for research are provided by the University to staff and students engaged in research through the University Research and Publications Committee (URPC). URPC publishes the findings of all the research work funded by the University.
