The University of Benin (UNIBEN), established in 1970, is one of Nigeria’s foremost institutions of higher learning, renowned for producing some of the brightest minds across various fields. Located in the heart of Edo State, this prestigious university has consistently nurtured leaders, creatives, technocrats, and professionals who have gone on to make a huge impact on national and global stages.Over the decades, UNIBEN has cultivated a legacy of excellence and a culture of intellectual innovation. From politics to entertainment, science, business, and academia, its alumni list reads like a who’s who of Nigerian success stories. Below is a list of 25 Prominent Nigerians who are proud alumni of the University of Benin:
(1) AIGBOJE AIG-IMOUKHUEDE
An alumnus of the University of Benin, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede studied Law and earned his LLB degree. He is a renowned banker, investor, and philanthropist. He served as GMD/CEO of Access Bank Plc and currently chairs Access Holdings. He is the founder of Coronation Group and the Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG). Aig-Imoukhuede is also a former President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and a key figure in Nigeria’s financial sector reform. Through his career, he has received several national honors and remains a respected voice in Nigeria’s financial, investment, and governance sectors.
(2) BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA
Babatunde Fashola CON, SAN, is a distinguished lawyer and politician who graduated from the University of Benin. He served as Nigeria’s Minister of Works and Housing from 2019 to 2023, and earlier as Minister of Power, Works and Housing (2015–2019). Fashola is best known for his impactful two-term tenure as Governor of Lagos State from 2007 to 2015, where he gained national acclaim for his infrastructure reforms and urban renewal initiatives.
(3) CHARLES N. ROTIMI
Dr. Charles Rotimi is a globally respected genomics researcher and Scientific Director at the U.S. National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). A pioneer in African genomics, he founded the African Society of Human Genetics and was instrumental in launching H3Africa, a major health genomics initiative. He advocates for the inclusion of African genomes in global research and was elected to the U.S. National Academy of Medicine in 2018.
(4) RICHARD MOFE-DAMIJO (RMD)
An alumnus of the University of Benin, Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, is a veteran Nigerian actor, lawyer, writer, and former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State. He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in 2005 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. In 2024, he was honoured with the Industry Merit Award at the AMVCA, cementing his legacy as one of Nollywood’s most iconic figures.
(5) PATIENCE OGHOGHO MASELI
A trailblazer in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, Patience Maseli is the first female Deputy Director of the Upstream Division at the Department of Petroleum Resources. She retired in 2018 after a distinguished career and led the Women in Geosciences and Engineering (WiGE) steering committee. Notably, she christened the Drillship West Capella in South Korea, with her name inscribed on the vessel—a rare honor.
(6) DAME IJEOMA UCHEGBU
Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu is a Nigerian-British professor of Pharmacy and a graduate of the University of Benin (Class of 1981). She is a pioneering researcher in pharmaceutical nanoscience, Pro-Vice Provost for Africa and the Middle East at UCL, and Chief Scientific Officer of Nanomerics. Recognized for her contributions to science, public engagement, and equity in STEM, she was appointed President of Wolfson College, Cambridge, starting October 2024.
(7) RENO OMOKRI
Reno Omokri is a University of Benin alumnus, renowned author, columnist, political commentator, and former Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan. He played a key role in promoting government initiatives via social media and was a vocal advocate for diaspora engagement during the 2011 elections. He also hosted a Christian TV program, Transformations with Reno Omokri, broadcast in the U.S. A vocal social critic and conservative thinker, he continues to influence public discourse through his writings and digital platforms.
(8) TOM ILUBE (THOMAS SEGUN ILUBE)
A respected British tech entrepreneur, philanthropist, and business executive, Tom Ilube is the first Black chair of a major sport in England as former Chair of the Rugby Football Union. He currently serves as Chair of The King’s Trust (formerly Prince’s Trust) in the UK. Known for his contributions to education and innovation, he was awarded a CBE for services to technology and philanthropy.
(9) RAYMOND DOKPESI (1951–2023)
A pioneering Nigerian media entrepreneur and politician, late Chief Raymond Dokpesi founded DAAR Communications and launched Africa Independent Television (AIT), one of Nigeria’s first private TV networks. He played a significant role in national politics as chairman of the organizing committee for the 2015 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) national conference. Dokpesi was known for his influential presence in Nigeria’s media landscape until his passing in 2023.
(10) ERNEST AZUDIALU OBIEJESI
A leading Nigerian business magnate and philanthropist, Ernest Obiejesi is the Chairman and CEO of Nestoil, a major oil and gas services company. He is also the founder of the Obijackson Foundation, which focuses on philanthropy and community development.
(11) BASKETMOUTH (BRIGHT OKPOCHA)
Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basketmouth, is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated comedians and actors. Basketmouth is the creator and organizer of the widely popular Basketmouth Uncensored comedy tours, which have taken him to stages across Africa, Europe, and North America, entertaining diverse international audiences. Beyond stand-up comedy, he has acted in numerous Nigerian films and has produced comedy specials, contributing greatly to the growth of Nollywood comedy. His success and influence have made him a household name in African entertainment.
(12) MILDRED OKWO
A celebrated Nigerian film director, producer, and screenwriter, Mildred Okwo gained acclaim for directing The Meeting (2012), a romance comedy-drama that won multiple awards including at the Africa Movie Academy Awards and Nigeria Entertainment Awards. She was also nominated for Best Director at the 4th Africa Movie Academy Awards.
(13) OMONI OBOLI
Omoni Oboli is a celebrated Nigerian actress, filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer. She graduated from the University of Benin with a bachelor’s degree in French (2nd Class Upper) and further trained in digital editing at the New York Film Academy. Omoni has written and produced notable films such as The Figurine (2009), Anchor Baby (2010), Wives on Strike (2016), and directed the popular comedy Moms at War (2018). In 2025, she produced the YouTube hit movie Love in Every Word, further cementing her influence in the Nigerian film industry.
(14) OSAGIE
IZE-IYAMU
Osagie Ize-Iyamu is a Nigerian pastor, lawyer, and politician who graduated from the University of Benin with an LL.B (Hons) degree before being called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987. He has served as Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Edo State government, and was the People’s Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate in the 2016 Edo State election. Currently a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he has also held key political roles including National Vice-Chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) South-South Zone, and Director General of Adams Oshiomhole’s re-election campaign.
(15) DORIS NKIRUKA UZOKA-ANITE
Doris Uzoka-Anite is a distinguished Nigerian medical doctor, financial analyst, and politician. She graduated from the University of Benin and later advanced her career bridging healthcare and finance. Uzoka-Anite served as Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment from August 2023 to October 2024. In November 2024, she was appointed Minister of State for Finance, where she now plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s economic and fiscal management.
(16) REYNOLDS BEKINBO
DAGOGO-JACK
Reynolds Bekinbo Dagogo-Jack, popularly known as “Beks,” is a Nigerian civil engineer, technocrat, entrepreneur, and public servant. A University of Benin graduate, he has over three decades of experience in both the public and private sectors, focusing on government administration, project management, engineering, construction, and manufacturing. Dagogo-Jack is widely respected for his contributions to infrastructure development in Nigeria.
(17) DR. CHRIS EKIYOR
Dr. Chris Ekiyor is a dental surgeon and influential youth leader from the Niger Delta. He served as President of the Ijaw Youth Council (2007–2010). Ekiyor founded the RAHI Medical Outreach and leads the Integration Summit Group Nigeria, promoting national unity. He has held public offices including Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Delta State and chaired the Patani Local Government transition committee.
(18) PROFESSOR ABIODUN FALODUN
Professor Abiodun Falodun is a Nigerian Pharmaceutical Chemist and academic leader. A University of Benin alumnus, he earned his bachelor’s, master’s , and PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from UNIBEN. He began his academic career at UNIBEN in 1999, rising to full professor by 2014. Falodun served as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) at UNIBEN and was Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry. He is widely published in pharmaceutical research and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research.Since April 2018, he has been the Rector of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, appointed by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
(19) DR. AKANIMO ODON
Dr. Akanimo Odon is an international business and strategy development expert specializing in education, energy, environment, oil and gas, media, and government sectors. He serves as African Advisor to Lancaster University and the University of London. Based in England, he is the CEO of Envirofly Consulting Limited, co-founder of the Xn Foundation, and founder of Flexy-Learn and Academia for Green Africa Initiative.
(20) LOTA CHUKWU
Ugwu Lotachukwu Jacinta Obianuju Amelia, popularly known as Lota Chukwu, is a Nigerian actress who rose to fame for her role as “Kiki” in the hit TV series Jenifa’s Diary, starring alongside Funke Akindele and others. Born in Nsukka, Enugu State, Lota spent most of her childhood in Benin City, Edo State. She graduated from the University of Benin with a degree in Agricultural Economics and Extension Service before training at the Royal Arts Academy in Lagos. Besides acting, she is also a yoga and fitness enthusiast.
(21) JOHNNY DRILLE (JOHN IGHODARO)
John Ighodaro, known professionally as Johnny Drille, is a renowned Nigerian singer, songwriter, and music producer. He gained fame in 2015 after releasing a cover of Di’Ja’s song “Awww,” which caught the attention of Don Jazzy and led to his signing with Mavin Records. Johnny Drille is celebrated for his unique blend of folk, soul, and African sounds. He studied English and Literature at the University of Benin.
( 22) EMMANUEL ENI
Emmanuel Eni, also known as Blackman in European Kitchen, is a renowned Nigerian-born conceptual and multimedia artist. A graduate of the University of Benin, he is celebrated for his bold, philosophical, and genre-defying works spanning painting, sculpture, performance, and poetry. Eni was listed in Forbes as one of the most famous artists in 2020 and is recognized globally for his fearless and thought-provoking art.
(23) SUYI DAVIES OKUNGBOWA
Suyi Davies Okungbowa is a Nigerian fantasy and science fiction author and academic. A graduate of the University of Benin, he gained recognition for his debut novel David Mogo, Godhunter and has written for younger readers, including Minecraft: The Haven Trials. His works explore West African culture, identity, and belonging. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Ottawa and is regarded as one of the most promising voices in African speculative fiction.
(24) Eso Dike
Eso Dike, born Okolocha Esowese Dike, is a Nigerian actor, musician, lawyer, and media entrepreneur. A Law graduate of the University of Benin and alumnus of the Nigerian Law School, he transitioned into entertainment and gained prominence through roles in The Smart Money Woman, Game On, and Ricordi. In 2022, he became one of Nollywood’s highest-grossing actors, with box office hits like Ijakumo, The Wildflower, and The Stand Up, collectively grossing over N300 million.
(25) KELVIN IKEDUBA
Kelvin Ngozi Ikeduba is a Nigerian actor and University of Benin graduate. Known for his seamless crossover between English-speaking Nollywood and Yoruba-language films, he won the Best Cross Over Actor award at the 2014 Yoruba Movie Academy Awards (YMAA).
–Promise Babatunde
