National Spotlight on UNIBEN: Minister Momoh Charts National Transformation at Founders Day(Video)

National Spotlight on UNIBEN: Minister Momoh Charts National Transformation at Founders Day(Video)

The University of Benin shone in national focus on Monday as it marked its 55th Founders Day with a lecture that stirred intellectual energy across the Akin Deko Auditorium and beyond. The day’s keynote came from a distinguished alumnus, Honourable Engr. Abubakar E. Momoh FNSE, FPA — Minister of Regional Development — who returned to his alma mater with a message that connected history, policy, and Nigeria’s unfolding transformation.

The Minister was accompanied by a distinguished delegation befitting the significance of the occasion — including Barrister Cosmas Ternenge Akighir, Chairman of the North Central Development Commission; Alhaji Lawal Sama’ila Abdullahi, Board Chairman of the North West Development Commission; veteran APC figure Abdul Oroh, OON; and former Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu. Their presence highlighted the strategic relevance of the event and reaffirmed UNIBEN’s growing influence in national affairs.

Delivering the anniversary lecture titled “Reforms for a Shared Prosperity,” Engr. Momoh walked the audience through the Tinubu administration’s bold reform agenda, grounding his message in clarity, data, and lived governance experience. He outlined the far-reaching changes transforming Nigeria today — the removal of petrol subsidy, the unification of the foreign exchange system, comprehensive tax reforms, power sector restructuring, rising external reserves, renewed investor confidence, strengthened FAAC allocations, and the rebirth of NELFUND for student loans — all anchored in the Renewed Hope Agenda .

The Minister further highlighted the new architecture of national development through the establishment of Regional Development Commissions across all geopolitical zones, noting that balanced growth is now a structured federal priority. He emphasized that though reforms may cause short-term discomfort, they are already delivering measurable shifts in stability, credibility, and economic confidence.

In his welcome address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Edoba Omoregie SAN praised the Minister as an exemplary alumnus whose national contributions mirror the university’s legacy of producing leaders who shape Nigeria’s future. He highlighted the federal interventions already benefiting UNIBEN — including the NDDC-led reconstruction of the burnt Chemistry Laboratory and UNIBEN’s selection among eight universities earmarked for the N68.7 billion national renewable-energy upgrade. He affirmed that the university is already feeling the ripple effect of national reforms in infrastructure, research capacity, and energy security.

Prof. Omoregie also restated UNIBEN’s commitment to deeper collaboration with the Ministry of Regional Development and other federal bodies, noting that the institution stands ready to support the intellectual, regional, and innovation requirements of Nigeria’s next phase of growth.

As applause surged through the Akin Deko Auditorium, one reality became undeniable: UNIBEN’s 55th Founders Day was more than a ceremonial anniversary. It became a national moment — a day when a proud alumnus returned with a blueprint for the country’s future, and the university reaffirmed its role at the centre of Nigeria’s transformative journey.

UNIBEN celebrated its heritage — and stepped confidently into the heart of national renewal.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah reporting from the University of Benin for IReporteronline