The afternoon sun beat down hard on the Ugbowo campus as students and staff gathered inside Lecture Hall 1 of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. The occasion was the long awaited maiden excellence award ceremony and scholarship scheme hosted by the University of Benin Agriculture Excellence Guild.

​Months of planning by student organizers and executives culminated in an event themed around nurturing progress through excellence. The hall filled up fast, drawing eager students, faculty members, and notable university figures ready to celebrate hard work within the agricultural sciences.

​Key university leaders graced the occasion. Professor Christopher Emokaro, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, was present at the high table. While the Vice Chancellor, Professor Edoba Omoregie, could not attend in person, Professor Eddy Erhagbe, Director of the Directorate of Advancement and Alumni Relations, represented him to support the initiative and convey his goodwill.

Speakers took the stage to address the realities of scaling through the faculty. Even though the Chairman of the Executive Council, Dr. Osarodion Nosakhare, and the Vice Chairman of UAEG, Evivie, could not be physically present, they addressed the audience virtually, sharing inspiring words. Other speakers on the ground also touched on relatable student experiences, moving away from long academic lectures to discuss everything from surviving late night study sessions to pushing through rigorous field practicals. They emphasized that studying agriculture goes beyond passing exams, pointing out its vital role in national development and food security.​

The highlight of the day was the presentation of awards and scholarships to top performing students for the 2024/2025 academic session. Cheers erupted from peers as recipients walked up to receive their well deserved recognition. For many students who spent countless hours in the library while others slept, the public acknowledgment was a major morale boost.

​As the program wrapped up, attendees spilled out into the afternoon heat, chatting about the day and looking forward to future editions. The event successfully set a new benchmark for student recognition in the faculty, leaving everyone with a renewed sense of purpose.