The Faculty of Arts at the University of Benin has reached a golden milestone, 50 years of shaping minds, preserving culture, and producing leaders across different fields. The celebration, which began on Tuesday, September 16 and continues Wednesday, September 17, 2025, is taking place at the university’s Main Auditorium and Banquet Hall.

Day one opened with a colorful ceremony featuring cultural performances and a guided tour of the faculty’s rich history. Day two will focus on reflection and dialogue, with a keynote lecture titled “The Place of the Humanities in an AI Era” delivered by Professor Francis Egbokhare, a respected linguist and academic. The day will round off with a luncheon, awards, and a banquet.

The Faculty of Arts was first established in 1975 as part of the old Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences before standing on its own in 1978. At the time, it began with just five departments, English and Literature, Modern Languages, History, Linguistics and African Languages, and Creative Arts. Over the years, it has expanded into a vibrant home for disciplines such as Theatre Arts, Mass Communication, Philosophy, and Religious Studies, among others.

Through the decades, the faculty has trained thousands of students who have gone on to make their mark in education, governance, literature, diplomacy, media, and the creative industries. From novelists and professors to journalists and cultural custodians, its alumni form an important part of Nigeria’s story.

The Dean, Professor Osarhieme Benson Osadolor, described the anniversary as more than a celebration of the past. According to him, it is a chance to look forward and reaffirm the importance of the humanities at a time when technology and artificial intelligence are reshaping how the world works.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie, serves as the Chief Host of the event, while Senator Neda Imasuen is the Special Guest of Honour. For many students, alumni, and staff, this golden jubilee is not only about marking fifty years but also about charting the next chapter, how the arts can continue to inspire, preserve culture, and provide answers to the challenges of the modern world.