By Maryam Diallo Dakar
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie, SAN, has been conferred with the Distinguished Fellowship Award of the Africa Institute of Waste Management and Environmental Studies, AIWMES.
The honour was presented on May 13, 2026, during a special ceremony held at the University of Benin.
Speaking during the presentation, representatives of the Edo State Chapter of AIWMES said the award followed a comprehensive assessment of the Vice Chancellor’s contributions to environmental sustainability and institutional development within the university.
The delegation, acting on behalf of the Governing Council and Registrar of the Institute, Ambassador Dr. Ahmed Abdulateef Tayo, commended Professor Omoregie for several environmentally friendly initiatives introduced under his administration.
According to the Institute, the Vice Chancellor spearheaded the planting of trees across strategic locations on campus to support climate change mitigation and environmental conservation efforts.
The Institute also highlighted the provision of over 150 waste bins within the university community and the establishment of the University of Benin Waste Management Programme, including a dedicated waste management unit.
Other notable initiatives include the deployment of electric tricycles for transportation within the campus to reduce carbon emissions, as well as the creation of a proactive environmental sustainability committee focused on maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment.
AIWMES described the Vice Chancellor’s efforts as landmark contributions toward environmental sustainability and institutional advancement.
The Institute further expressed its willingness to collaborate with the University of Benin in organizing professional certification and training programmes in waste management and environmental studies.
Speaking at the event, members of the delegation noted that similar programmes are already operational in some universities in Northern Nigeria and expressed confidence that a partnership with the University of Benin would strengthen environmental education and professional development in the South-South region.
The Institute also appealed to the university management to support participation of its members in the upcoming AIWMES Annual General Meeting and International Conference scheduled to hold in Abuja in October 2026.
In his remarks, the Registrar of the Institute, Ambassador Dr. Ahmed Abdulateef Tayo, congratulated Professor Omoregie on the recognition and expressed optimism that the award would further inspire commitment to sustainable development and environmental excellence in Nigeria and beyond.
The event was attended by principal officers of the university, academics, environmental professionals, students, and distinguished guests.
