University of Benin Chemistry Class of 2000 Marks 25 Years of Excellence: Welcome Address by Dr. Oke Michael Aziaikpono
Comrade Dr. Oke Michael Aziaikpono, President of the Class of 2000, Department of Chemistry, University of Benin, delivered a heartfelt welcome address at the Silver Jubilee celebration held on October 24, 2025. The event reflected on 25 years of academic excellence, alumni achievements, and contributions to the Department, whilst honoring distinguished lecturers, classmates, and students.
WELCOME ADDRESS BY DR. OKE, MICHAEL AZIAKPONO, PRESIDENT, CLASS OF 2000, DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, BENIN-CITY ON THE OCASSION OF THE 25 YEARS ANNIVERSARY OF THE CLASS OF 2000 (MILLENIUM CHEMISTS), AT THE 500LT, FACULTY OF PHYSICAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, BENIN CITY, NIGERIA
Today, Friday, 24th October 2025
Marking Our Silver Jubilee: 25 Years of Excellence in Chemistry
The Vice Chancellor Sir, Prof. Edoba Omoregie SANwho doubles as our Special Guest of Honor; , here represented by the deputy vice chancellor academics. the Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Chairman of this auspicious occasion, Prof. Emmanuel O. Aiyohuyin; our amiable Chief Host and Head of the Department of Chemistry, Prof. Emmanuel Irabor; distinguished Emeritus Professors, our highly respected former lecturers and the awardees for this occasion, all other Professors and lecturers here present; my fellow classmates of the Class of 2000; dear students of the Department of Chemistry; distinguished guests, esteemed alumni; gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen.
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It is with immense pleasure and a profound sense of honour that I formally welcome you all to this momentous Silver Jubilee Celebration marking twenty-five remarkable years since our graduation from the Department of Chemistry, University of Benin, Benin City. This milestone conjures reflections on journeys traveled, bonds nurtured, challenges surmounted, and triumphs celebrated – all underscoring the abiding faithfulness of God Almighty.
As we begin, I want to plead with us to rise as we observe a minute of silence for the repose of the souls of our former lecturers - Dr. I. Ejimadu, Mrs. Amayevbo, Dr. A. Ofomaja, Prof. A. Jideonwo, Prof. Ahonkhai, Prof Ukponmwan; Technologist – Mrs. Tosan Idemudia and classmates - Mr. Samuel Okpasigbe, and Mr. Stanley Afijabi.
…………………………….May their souls rest in peace.
As President of the Class of 2000, I extend heartfelt gratitude to our Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie SAN, for gracing this occasion with his presence, epitomizing the leadership and vision that have propelled Uniben’s stature as a premier institution. We are equally appreciative of Prof. Emmanuel O. Aiyohuyin’s able chairmanship of this event and Prof. Irabor’s dedicated stewardship of the Department of Chemistry, exemplifying the sterling tradition of academic excellence fostered at Uniben.
This Silver Jubilee offers us a reflective pause to:
• Celebrate God’s faithfulness over our lives and careers
• Cherish memories of camaraderie, mentorship, and transformative learning experiences at Uniben
• Recognize achievements of classmates in diverse fields – academia, industry, entrepreneurship, public service
• Reaffirm commitments to service, impact, and contributing meaningfully to society leveraging our Chemistry foundation
A Brief History of Our Class: 25 Years in Retrospect
Our group was conceptualized and established in 2010, and our first regional reunion (Niger Delta region) took place on the 18th of August 2012 in Warri, Delta State, followed by the second edition that took place in the ancient city of Benin on August 10th, 2013, while our first national reunion took place in Lagos on July 27th, 2014. The group was formally incorporated in 2018 and since then, it has been growing in leaps and bounds. From a modest beginning, today our membership is about 70 out of 97 that graduated with 2 that have departed from this world. We are making efforts to reach others.
Support to Our Department
Our first support to the Department was the donation of some scientific equipment on June 25th, 2013, which was later followed with the renovation of the physical chemistry Laboratory and provision of some chemicals when late Prof. A. Jideonwo was the Head of Department. In another occasion, a member of this class who was then working with Coca Cola donated some equipment to the Department. In September 2020, four members of this class of 2000 who work with Chevron Nigeria Limited were part of a group of 16 other Chevron employees who graduated from Chemistry Department donated scientific equipment to the Department. In 2023, when an inferno took place in our beloved Department, our class commiserated with the university community, staff, and students of our dear department and as well provided a three-in-one photocopying machine with a cartridge, a laptop with accessories, and a cash donation of two hundred and fifty thousand naira (N250,000) to enable the department proceed with her examination which was already planned.
All these interventions spanned through the administrations of Prof. (Mrs.) E.U. Ikhuoria, Prof. J.M. Okuo, Prof. E.E. Ukpebor and Prof. J.U. Iyasele as Heads of Department.
Awards of Recognition, Service & Excellence
The Vice Chancellor sir, distinguished guests, it is our tradition as well-brought-up and well-tutored men and women, that we recognize and reward excellence, selfless service, and contribution to a common public good and humanity. By this, we aim to motivate and encourage further meaningful contribution to the betterment of society at large. Today, we shall be honouring thirteen (13) of our lecturers who contributed to shaping us and giving us the ‘passcode’ to explore the world. We shall also be giving awards of service to three (3) of our members for their commitment and dedication to the growth of this group. Thirdly, we shall also be giving a token to six (6) students in 300 level to support them in their final year project work.
In conclusion, I wish to express our deepest gratitude to God for His faithfulness and mercy. As we look back on these 25 years, we see the hand of God. As part of our silver jubilee celebration, we shall be having a thanksgiving mass on Sunday 26th October, 2025, at Saint Albert Catholic Church here on campus to thank God for our modest achievements. God has been marvelous to us. It is on this note that we want to ask for your prayers as we embark on another year that, God will continue to guide and direct our paths so that we will continue to render passionate service to humanity.
Thank you for honouring us with your presence. May this celebration be memorable, inspiring, and a testament to enduring bonds and shared aspirations. May God bless Uniben, bless our alumni, and bless Nigeria.
Dr. Oke Michael Aziaikpono
President, Class of 2000
Department of Chemistry
University of Benin
24th October 2025
Reporting For ProbitasReport is Kiina Martins
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