By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Osasere Osifo Prize for Academic Excellence has honoured Miss Odigie Adesuwa Jessica, the Overall Best Graduating Student of the University of Benin, at the recently concluded 51st Convocation Ceremony, with a cash prize of ₦500,000. Miss Jessica graduated from Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences with a First Class degree, recording an impressive CGPA of 4.89.
Also honoured was Miss Omoniyi Oghenekevwe Deborah, who emerged as the Best Graduating Student in the Department of Physics, the Convener’s former department, Faculty of Physical Sciences. Deborah, who graduated with Second Class Upper degree with a CGPA of 4.19, received a cash prize of ₦250,000.
The Academic Prize is an initiative of a former President of the UNIBEN Students’ Union Government, Engr. Osasere Favour Osifo, who currently serves as the President of the University of Benin Alumni Association, North America (UBAANA). Instituted in 2021, the prize has now awarded a total of ₦3 million to eleven (11) recipients across three convocation years.
The award presentation ceremony took place on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the institution’s Students’ Affairs Division. Miss Jessica, a graduate of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, received a dual honour for emerging as the Best Graduating Student in the Convener’s former faculty and as the Overall Best Graduating Student of the University. Miss Deborah was similarly honoured as the Best Graduating Student in the Department of Physics under the same faculty.
Speaking at the ceremony, Engr. Osifo stated that the Academic Prize was instituted with a clear and purposeful vision to recognise, reward, and inspire academic excellence. He described the occasion as one dedicated to celebrating brilliance, discipline, and the unwavering pursuit of knowledge.
Engr. Osifo, who was ably represented at the event by a former Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor, Hon. Uyi Valentine, noted that the award “was born out of a deep belief that hard work deserves recognition, that excellence should never go unnoticed, and that young minds who dedicate themselves to learning should be encouraged to dream even bigger.”
He added, “Since its inception, we have remained steadfast and true to this mission. Year after year, we have celebrated students who chose diligence over distraction, perseverance over convenience, and excellence over mediocrity, students who quite literally burned the midnight candle in pursuit of their goals.
“What we are doing here today is more than the presentation of an award. It is a statement. A statement that there is dignity in labour. A statement that discipline pays off. A statement that society still values intellect, effort, and character.”
Engr. Osifo therefore called on corporate bodies, government institutions, and well-meaning organisations to invest more intentionally in academic excellence. “When we celebrate scholarship, we refocus our youth. When we reward effort, we strengthen our future. And when we honour excellence, we inspire generations yet unborn,” he said.
He congratulated the award recipients for their outstanding academic distinction, noting that their achievements placed them among the finest scholars produced by the institution. According to him, “This is no small feat. Your accomplishments reflect intellectual rigour, resilience, and an exceptional commitment to learning.
“This token we present today is modest, but its message is powerful. It is an expression of appreciation, encouragement, and belief in your future. The tenacity, discipline, and excellence you demonstrated to attain these results will take you far in life. The world is waiting for what you will become and what you will contribute.”
He further prayed that their achievements would inspire others, remind students that excellence is attainable, and continue to serve as a beacon of hope and motivation.
University officials present at the ceremony included the Dean of Students, Prof. F. O. Ekhaise; Director, Directorate of Advancement and Alumni Relations, Prof. Edward (Eddy) Erhagbe; Head of Department, Chemistry, Prof. Emmanuel Irabor; Head of Department, Physics, Prof. Chris Aigbogun; and the Deputy Registrar, Students’ Affairs Division, Mr. Benjamin O. Omere.
Other representatives of the Osasere Osifo Prize for Academic Excellence in attendance were a former Students’ Union President, Hon. Raymond Omorogbe; and a former Special Assistant to the Edo State Deputy Governor and Publisher of Campus Gist, Comrade Ogochukwu Isioma. Other stakeholders present included Comrade Sylvester Okoh and Comrade David Salami.
