The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has officially approved Wednesday, January 28, 2026, as the date for its 2025/2026 Matriculation Ceremony. The event marks the formal admission of newly enrolled students into the academic and social community of the university.

To ensure a smooth and dignified ceremony, the University Management has issued detailed guidelines on the collection, distribution, and return of academic gowns. Faculty Officers and matriculating students are expected to comply strictly with these instructions.

Procurement of Academic Gowns (Faculty Officers)

Faculty Officers will serve as the link between the Ceremonial Stores and students. All academic gowns are to be collected from the Ceremonial Stores (behind the University Basement).

Collection Period:
Thursday, January 22 – Monday, January 26, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. daily

To reduce congestion and ensure orderliness, a faculty-based schedule has been approved.

Distribution Schedule by Faculty

Thursday, January 22, 2026

• Faculty of Arts
  
• I.P.A.E.S
  
• Faculty of Agriculture
  
• Faculty of Environmental Sciences
  
• Faculty of Pharmacy
  
• Faculty of Industry
  
• School of Basic Clinical Sciences
  
• Institute of Education
  

Friday, January 23, 2026

• Faculty of Education
  
• School of Basic Medical Sciences
  
• Faculty of Engineering
  
• Faculty of Law
  
• Faculty of Life Sciences
  
• Faculty of Management Sciences
  
• Faculty of Medicine
  
• Distance Learning Centre
  

Monday, January 26, 2026

• Faculty of Physical Sciences
  
• Technical & Vocational Education
  
• Communication and Media Studies
  
• Computing and Information Sciences
  
• Faculty of Social Sciences
  
• Nursing Sciences
  
• Optometry
  
• Science Laboratory Technology
  
• Veterinary Medicine

Gown Return and Retrieval Policy

Faculty Officers are responsible for retrieving all academic gowns from students and returning them to the Ceremonial Stores.

Return Begins:
Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Important Notes:

• A list of defaulters (students who fail to return gowns on time) must be submitted alongside returned items.
  
• Defaulters will be directed to Room 19, Publications and Documentation Unit, Vice-Chancellor’s Office for the processing of late return fines.
  

Guidelines for Matriculating Students

All fresh students are advised to take note of the following:

• Gown Collection: Contact your Faculty Office for department-specific instructions on gown pickup.
  
• Attendance: Participation in the matriculation ceremony is mandatory, because students will take the matriculation oath and sign the university register.
  
• Care of Regalia: Gowns, hoods, and caps must be returned in good condition. Any damage will attract penalties.
  
• Punctuality: Students must be seated at the venue at least 45 minutes before the academic procession begins.

Final Note

The UNIBEN Matriculation Ceremony is a proud academic tradition that officially welcomes students into the university community. Faculty Officers and students are encouraged to uphold a high standard of responsibility and cooperation to ensure the success of the event.

Congratulations to all newly admitted students of the 2025/2026 academic session, and welcome to the University of Benin.