The University of Benin, UNIBEN, has added another milestone to its academic tradition with the delivery of its 377th Inaugural Lecture Series at the prestigious Akin Deko Auditorium, Ugbowo Campus, Benin City on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Setting the tone for the intellectual discourse, the Registrar of the University, Dr. Bimpe Omoyiwola, highlighted the significance of the Inaugural Lecture Series as a well-articulated presentation of contributions to knowledge and a platform for professors to showcase their research impact on society.
In his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie, SAN, expressed delight over the increasing number of Inaugural Lectures since assumption of office. He reaffirmed the institution’s unwavering commitment and dedication to advancing knowledge for national development, innovation and societal transformation.
Delivering the 377th Inaugural Lecture titled “Nigeria’s Wildlife at the Crossroads,” renowned conservationist and Professor of Wildlife Management, Professor Gideon Ukamaka Emelue, painted a grim but hopeful picture of Nigeria’s wildlife heritage.
Professor Emelue, who has distinguished himself in wildlife conservation activities across the country, extensively highlighted the enormous ecological, economic, medicinal and educational benefits of wildlife conservation to Nigeria’s survival and sustainable development.
He however raised alarm over critical threats confronting the nation’s wildlife, identifying deforestation, habitat loss, poaching, indiscriminate bush burning, and weak enforcement of conservation laws as major factors driving Nigeria’s wildlife to extinction.
The Inaugural Lecturer therefore called on the Federal Government to urgently declare a State of Emergency on wildlife management. According to him, such emergency measures should focus on park expansion, strict protection of endangered species, wildlife domestication, sustainable eco-tourism, funding for conservation research, and community-based participation in wildlife protection.
Reviewing the presentation, Vice-Chancellor Professor Edoba Omoregie commended Professor Emelue for his cerebral delivery, his outstanding contributions to wildlife management and conservation, and his leadership role and impact in the ongoing Green UNIBEN Project aimed at restoring the University’s ecosystem.
The high point of the ceremony was the decoration and formal honouring of Professor Emelue for his outstanding scholarship and service, witnessed by his wife, children, family members, colleagues and students.
In separate interviews with Broad TV News, the Vice-Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, Professor John Aroye Okhuoya, Pastor Greg Iyayi, Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo, Dr. Festus Onogholo and wife of the Inaugural Lecturer, Mrs. Augustina Emelue, eulogized Professor Emelue for his dedication, hard work and passion for environmental sustainability.
They called on government at all levels to pay greater attention to wildlife conservation and management, while urging practical implementation of the far-reaching recommendations made by the Inaugural Lecturer.
Responding, Professor Emelue expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God and to the management of the University of Benin for the opportunity and success of the lecture, stressing that urgent intervention is needed to revive, protect and sustain Nigeria’s dwindling wildlife resources for future generations.
The ceremony was attended by Principal Officers, Deans, Heads of Department, staff, students and well-wishers who thronged the auditorium to honour the erudite scholar.
By Happy Raymond, Broad TV News | Benin City
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