Overview and History of Benson Idahosa University

 
##Introduction
Benson Idahosa University (BIU) is a private Christian university located in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.  Established in 2002, BIU is affiliated with the Church of God Mission International (CGMi) and is named in honor of its founder, Archbishop Benson Andrew Idahosa, a pioneering Pentecostal leader.  The university's motto, "Academic Excellence with Godliness," encapsulates its commitment to blending rigorous academic training with spiritual development. 

As of 2025, BIU ranks 55th among Nigerian universities and 6,337th globally, according to EduRank.  The university's ranking is based on factors such as research output, non-academic reputation, and the impact of its notable alumni  .

##Official Website and Contact Information

For more information about admissions, programs, and campus life, visit BIU's official website: https://biu.edu.ng. 

Address: Private Mail Bag 1100, University Way, Off Upper Adesuwa Road, Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin City, Nigeria. 

##Historical Background
The genesis of BIU traces back to 1978 when Archbishop Benson Idahosa received a divine directive to establish a university.  This vision materialized in 1993 with the founding of the Christian Faith University-Institute of Continuous Learning, which offered programs in Basic Sciences and Management Sciences.  Initially affiliated with the University of Benin and Edo State University (now Ambrose Alli University), the institution awarded National Diplomas upon completion of two-year programs  .

Following Archbishop Idahosa's passing in 1998, his wife, Archbishop Margaret Benson-Idahosa, assumed leadership and continued to pursue the university's establishment.  In February 2002, the National Universities Commission (NUC) granted a license for the institution to operate as a private university, officially renaming it Benson Idahosa University  .

##Campuses and Academic Expansion
BIU operates multiple campuses to accommodate its growing academic offerings.  The main campus in Benin City houses faculties such as Arts and Education, Science, Law, Social and Management Sciences, and Basic Medical and Health Sciences.  In 2015, the university expanded with the establishment of the Legacy Campus in the Okha district, which hosts the Faculties of Agriculture and Engineering  .

##Accreditation and Professional Recognition
BIU is accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), ensuring that its programs meet national educational standards  . Additionally, the university's engineering programs—Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, and Civil Engineering—have received accreditation from the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), affirming the quality and relevance of its engineering education  .

##Leadership and Governance
The university's governance structure includes prominent figures who have contributed to its development.  Archbishop Margaret Benson-Idahosa serves as the Chancellor, providing spiritual and administrative oversight.  Her son, Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Faith Emmanuel Benson Idahosa, holds the position of President, continuing the family's legacy in steering the institution's vision. 

As of 2025, Professor Sam Guobadia, an accomplished economist with degrees from the University of Benin and the University of Lagos, serves as the Vice Chancellor.  His academic career includes roles such as Head of the Department of Economics and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Benin.  He became the sixth substantive Vice Chancellor of BIU in 2018, bringing a wealth of experience to the university's administration  .

##Notable Alumni
BIU boasts a diverse array of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields: 

Chris Oyakhilome: Founder of Christ Embassy and author of the daily devotional "Rhapsody of Realities." He received an honorary Doctorate in Divinity from BIU.

Blossom Chukwujekwu: Award-winning Nollywood actor known for his roles in films such as "Flower Girl" and "Falling." 

Uti Nwachukwu: TV presenter and winner of Big Brother Africa Season 5, recognized for his work in entertainment and fashion. 

Munachi Abii: Winner of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2007, rapper, and actress, known for her role in "Living in Bondage: Breaking Free".

Foluke Adeboye: Author and televangelist, who received an honorary doctorate degree in Education from BIU in 2022.

These individuals exemplify the university's commitment to producing graduates who excel in their respective professions while upholding the values instilled during their time at BIU. 

##Academic Faculties and Programs
BIU offers a wide range of academic programs across several faculties: 

Faculty of Agriculture: Programs in Agricultural Economics, Animal Husbandry, Crop Production, Fishery, Forestry, and Soil Science. 

Faculty of Arts and Education: Courses in Business Education, Christian Religious Studies, English, French, International Relations, and Theology. 

Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences: Programs in Anatomy, Medical Technology, Nursing, and Physiology. 

Faculty of Engineering: Degrees in Civil, Electrical and Electronic, and Mechanical Engineering. 

Faculty of Law: Studies in Civil Law, Private Law, and Public Law. 

Faculty of Medicine: Medical programs leading to degrees in Medicine. 

Faculty of Science: Courses in Biological and Life Sciences, and Physics. 

Faculty of Social and Management Sciences: Programs in Accountancy, Banking, Business Administration, Economics, Mass Communication, Political Sciences, and Sociology  .


The university also offers postgraduate studies across various disciplines, fostering advanced academic and professional development. 

##Commitment to Sports and Extracurricular Excellence
BIU has a strong tradition in sports, consistently performing well in national and regional competitions.  The university has maintained the best performance by any private university in Nigeria in all editions of Nigerian Private Universities Games, Nigerian Universities Games, and West African Universities Games.