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University of Benin Faculty of Arts Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence
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.
Since Uber exited Nigeria, rumours have been circulating over why the company left the country. One of the claims suggested that FAAN was part of the reason for the exit.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has now addressed the rumours and claims of its involvement in Uber’s decision to leave Nigeria.
FAAN said it could not speak for Uber’s decision, noting that the company likely had its own economic and regulatory considerations for leaving Nigeria.
FAAN’s Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, said “I can’t speak to Uber’s exit from Nigeria. I am sure they have their own economic and regulatory decisions as to why they chose to exit.”
Governor of Akwa Ibom, Pastor Umo Eno, reflected on a career choice he made when he had no choice back then.
The governor recalled how he made not less than ₦10 million in a month from selling bread and akara.
He stated “I started selling Akara and bread. Back then, I was doing Akara Burger — we opened the bread and put Akara inside for you. I made not less than ₦10 million in a month.”
Many Nigerians reacted and wondered if his reflection was in response to what the First Lady advised Nigerians earlier about selling corn.
Uber makes headlines in Nigeria as it announces that it is leaving the country. The transportation and logistics business has been in operation in Nigeria since 2014 and suddenly announced its exit on September 2, 2026.
This started with users receiving a message from the team stating that the company would be leaving Nigeria, and the announcement quickly began trending as many Nigerians started talking about Uber’s exit.
Uber shared “We are writing to share some difficult news. After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria, effective 2 September 2026.
“This wasn’t a decision we made lightly, because it will have a real impact on our teammates and friends who have worked hard for Uber. It’s important to say that these changes are about how we’re organised and what we’re prioritising, not about anyone’s contributions to Uber, which we will always value,” Khosrowshahi said.
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