The Founder and Vice-Chancellor of ESTAM University, Benin Republic, Dr. Max J. Mimbang, has celebrated the courage, hard work and resilience of the institution’s graduating students, while commending their families and lecturers for their sacrifices and commitment.
Dr. Mimbang made the remarks during the university’s Annual Matriculation, Convocation and Conferment of Honorary Degrees ceremony, held in Benin Republic, where the wife of the Ooni of Ife, Her Royal Majesty, Ambassador Dr. Temitope Morenike Enitan-Ogunwusi, served as the royal mother of the occasion.
Speaking at the ceremony, the vice-chancellor, on behalf of the entire ESTAM University family, expressed profound gratitude to Olori Ooni of Ife for accepting the invitation and honouring the institution with her presence.
He said her participation demonstrated the strong historical, cultural and economic ties between Benin Republic and Nigeria, particularly in the areas of trade, shared heritage and youth development.
“Your presence reminds us that Benin and Nigeria are united by history, culture, trade and a shared ambition for the future of our youth,” Dr. Mimbang said.
He added that the royal presence also showed that tradition and modernity could move forward together in promoting education, leadership and social development.
The founder congratulated the graduating students for reaching an important milestone in their academic journey, urging them to remain disciplined, creative and united as they begin the next phase of their lives.
He encouraged the graduates to become bridge-builders between communities and nations, rather than creating divisions.
“To our graduating students, remain disciplined, be creative and uphold strong values. Remain united and make our borders bridges, not walls,” he said.
Dr. Mimbang also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the families of the graduates and the dedication of the university’s lecturers, describing their contributions as essential to the students’ success.
The ceremony also featured the recognition of outstanding academic performance, including the presentation of financial rewards by Olori Ooni of Ife to two best graduating students.
Opara Confidence of the Department of Business Administration, who emerged as the Best Graduating Student of the 2026 set, and Oloruntoba Ivana of the Department of International Relations, recognised as the Best Graduating Student for the 2025 academic session, each received N500,000.
Olori Ooni also promised to use her influence to facilitate employment opportunities for the two graduates, adding a practical dimension to the celebration of their academic achievements.
The gesture was widely regarded as one of the highlights of the ceremony, as it combined financial support with a commitment to helping the beneficiaries transition successfully from academic life into the employment market.
The occasion was attended by distinguished academics, traditional rulers, public figures and other notable guests. Prof. Kabiru Olawale Paramole, Dean of the Faculty of Art, Lagos State University, served as the guest speaker but was represented.
Among the honorary guests were Adedayo Idowu, MD/CEO of Exxes Options Ltd.; Basorun Babafemi Branch, popularly known as “Femi Branch,” Nigerian actor; Fatimah Ademola Oyewusi, wife of the Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly; Oluwakemi T. Eboda, Esq., legal practitioner and event risk and safety professional and founder of Basics Ltd.; Oluwayomi Oluwarotimi Lanso, popularly known as “Yomi Fash-Lanso,” Nigerian actor; High Chief Olayemi Olufela Solade, popularly known as “Yemi Solade,” Nigerian actor; Chief (Mrs.) Olayinka Adesunbo Latinwo, FCAI, Yeye-Bobagunwa Oodua and Iya-Oba of Isin Kingdom and Diaspora; His Royal Highness Oba (Dr.) Rafiu Olayinka Atanda Adesakin, Kabiyesi Alajase Abesan VII of Porto-Novo; and Alh. Abdulsalam Moshood Abiola, President, Nigeria in Diaspora, Porto-Novo, Benin Republic.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Mimbang prayed that Olori Ooni’s participation would further strengthen the relationship between the people of Benin Republic and Nigeria.
“To our royal mother, Olori Ooni of Ife, may this ceremony strengthen the bond between our people and generations. ESTAM University will always be proud of you,” he said.
The event brought together academics, traditional representatives, graduates, families and other stakeholders to celebrate educational achievement, promote youth empowerment and reinforce the importance of cooperation between institutions and communities across national borders.
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