News Update

ADMISSION INTO POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES FOR THE 2025/ 2026 ACADEMIC SESSION

Introduction

The TETFund Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture and Food Technology (TCEAFT) was established by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) in year 2021, with the mission to advance innovation and entrepreneurship in the area of human development/capacity building, training and research in sustainable fish production and value addition through food processing technology for food security. The Centre in collaboration with the Postgraduate College, University of Benin has commenced postgraduate studies and hereby request applications from candidates for the following programmes in the 2025/ 2026 Academic session.

Programmes Offered:

Masters of Science (M. Sc.) in Pisciculture

Masters of Science (M. Sc.) in Food Science and Technology

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pisciculture

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Food Science and Technology

Admission Requirements:

Masters of Science (M. Sc.) in Pisciculture: An applicant for the M.Sc. Programme in Pisciculture shall possess a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) Degree in any of the Biological Sciences with a minimum of Second Class Honours (Lower division) from the University of Benin or any other university recognized by Senate of the University of Benin.

Masters of Science (M. Sc.) in Food Science and Technology: An applicant for the M.Sc. Programme in Food Science and Technology shall possess a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) Degree in Food Science and Technology or other related degree areas with a minimum of Second Class Honours (Lower division) from the University of Benin or any other university recognized by Senate of the University of Benin.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pisciculture: An applicant for the Ph.D Programme in Pisciculture shall possess an MSc. Degree in Fisheries, Aquaculture or other related area with a minimum CGPA of 3.50 or a weighted average of 60% and above from the University of Benin or any other university recognized by Senate of the University of Benin.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Food Science and Technology: An applicant for the Ph.D Programme in Food Science and Technology must have an Academic Master Degree in Food Science and Technology or other related area with a minimum CGPA of 3.50 or a weighted average of 60% and above from the University of Benin or any other university recognized by Senate of the University of Benin.

Duration of Programme: The Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degrees in Pisciculture and Food Science and Technology shall run for a minimum duration of four (4) semesters and maximum of six (6) semesters. The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) Degrees in Pisciculture and Food Science and Technology shall run for a minimum duration of six (6) semesters and maximum of twelve (12) semesters.

Application Procedure: Interested applicants should visit the link: https://unibenportal.com/#application for more information,

Signed

Prof. (Mrs.) Ijeoma P. Oboh, Ffs, FFBAN

Centre Director

24 June 2025 –

The Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund)

The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny S. T. Echono, FNIA, OON represented by
Dr Salihu G. Bakari (Director, Research and Development/ Centres of Excellence TETFund) was at the Centre on a working visit on Tuesday 24th June 2025. Dr Salihu G. Bakari in company of Prof. (Mrs) E. S. Omoregie (Director, Committee on TETFund/ NUC – World Bank Centres of Excellence, University of Benin) were received by the Deputy Director – Dr Peter. A. Ebabhamiegbebho on behalf of the Centre Director Prof (Mrs) Ijeoma P. Oboh. Dr Salihu G. Bakari commended the Project Management Team led by the Centre Director for their outstanding achievements so far, which has distinguished the Centre among the Centres of Excellence in the country. Dr Salihu G. Bakari accompanied by Prof. (Mrs) E. S. Omoregie, Dr P. A. Ebabhamiegbebho and members of the Project Management Team took an inspection tour of the ongoing construction project of the Hatchery Building for the Centre. High point of the visit was the presentation of processed smoked fish from the fish farm to Dr Salihu G. Bakari. In his remarks, Dr Salihu G. Bakari commended the efforts and dynamic leadership of Prof. (Mrs.) E. S. Omoregie and Prof (Mrs) Ijeoma P. Oboh in the achievements of the mandates of the Centre so far, and assured the Centre of the commitment of TETFund to the success of the Centre. Dr Peter A. Ebabhamiegbebho on behalf of the Centre Director and the Project Management Team thanked Dr Salihu G. Bakari for his immeasurable support to the success recorded at the Centre.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, SAN presenting an Award of Appreciation to the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny S. T. Echono, FNIA, OON and Dr. Salihu G. Bakari (Director, Research and Development/ Centre of Excellence TETFund) for their continued support to the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture and Food Technology, University of Benin at the cocktail dinner organized by the University of Benin.

The Director, Research and Development/ Centre of Excellence TETFund – Dr. Salihu G. Bakari (Centre) with TETFund Postgraduate Scholars, flanked by Prof. (Mrs.) E. S. Omoregie (left) and Dr. Peter A. Ebabhamiegbebho (right).

Arc. Sonny S. T. Echono, FNIA, OON

Executive Secretary, TETFund

Dr. Salihu G. Bakari delivering the acknowledgement speech on behalf of the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny S. T. Echono, FNIA, OON

Arrival and welcoming of Dr. Salihu G. Bakari (Director, Research and Development/ Centres of Excellence TETFund) to the Centre by Dr. P. A. Ebabhamiegbebho (Centre Deputy Director) in company of Prof. (Mrs.) E. S. Omoregie (Director, Committee on TETFund/ NUC – World Bank Centres of Excellence).

Dr. Salihu G. Bakari flanked by Prof. (Mrs.) E. S. Omoregie during the presentation of Souvenirs to the Executive Secretary and Director, Research and Development/ Centre of Excellence TETFund – Dr. Salihu G. Bakari by Dr. P. A. Ebabhamiegbebho on behalf of the Centre Director, Prof. (Mrs.) Ijeoma P. Oboh.

The Director, Research and Development/ Centre of Excellence TETFund – Dr. Salihu G. Bakari (Centre) with Prof. (Mrs.) E. S. Omoregie (left), Dr. P. A. Ebabhamiegbebho (right) and members of the Project Management Team and Staff of the Centre

Dr. Salihu G. Bakari

Director, Research and Development/ Centres of Excellence TETFund

Exhibition of processed fish products from the Centre’s Fish Farm to – Dr. Salihu G. Bakari by Dr. Peter A. Ebabhamiegbebho flanked by Prof. (Mrs.) E. S. Omoregie

The Director, Research and Development/ Centre of Excellence TETFund – Dr. Salihu G. Bakari (Centre) with Prof. (Mrs.) E. S. Omoregie (left), Dr. Peters A. Ebabhamiegbebho (right) and members of the Project Management Team of the Centre

The Director, Research and Development/ Centre of Excellence TETFund – Dr. Salihu G. Bakari (Centre) flanked by Prof. (Mrs.) E. S. Omoregie (left) and Dr. Peter A. Ebabhamiegbebho (right)

13 May 2025 –

Ceremonial Fish Harvesting

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Edoba Omoregie SAN Performs Ceremonial Fish Harvesting at the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture and Food Technology (TCEAFT).

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie SAN accompanied by Principal Officers of the University – Prof. Christopher Osubor (DVC, Administration), Prof. Victor Igbineweka (DVC Academic), Prof. B. A. Ayinde (DVC, Ekenwan Campus) and Prof. (Mrs.) E. S. Omoregie (Director, Committee on TETFund/ NUC – World Bank Centres of Excellence) visited to inspect, appraise and perform the ceremonial fish harvesting of the successful completion of the second cycle of fish production at the Centre on Tuesday 13th May 2025. The Centre Director – Prof (Mrs.) Ijeoma P. Oboh in company of Dr. P. A. Ebabhamiegbebho (Deputy Director), Board Members and Members of the Project Management Team welcomed the University Management to the Centre. Prof. (Mrs.) Ijeoma P. Oboh took the University management team on a guided tour of the Centre facilities, while outlining the achievements of the Centre in infrastructural development, teaching and ongoing research activities. The Vice Chancellor flanked by principal officers of the University performed the ceremonial fish harvesting, which flagged off the commencement of sales of Table size catfish.

The Vice Chancellor commended the Centre Director and its Project Management Team for their commitment and achievements so far, and assured them of the support of the University in achieving their set out objectives. The Centre Director on behalf of the Project Management Team expressed her gratitude to the Vice Chancellor and the Director (Committee on TETFund/ NUC – World Bank Centres of Excellence) for their immeasurable support to the success recorded at the Centre.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie SAN commending the Centre Director Prof (Mrs.) Ijeoma Oboh during the inspection of fish produce from the Centre’s Farm.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie SAN flanked by principal officers of the University cutting the “Blue Tape” signaling the commencement of fish sales.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie SAN flanked by members of the University Management Team. From right to left: Prof. Victor Igbineweka (DVC Academic), Prof. Christopher Osubor (DVC, Administration), Prof (Mrs.) Ijeoma P. Oboh (Centre Director), Prof. (Mrs.) E. S. Omoregie (Director, Committee on TETFund/ NUC – World Bank Centres of Excellence), Prof. B. A. Ayinde (DVC, Ekenwan Campus) and Dr. P. A. Ebabhamiegbebho (Deputy Director).

Exhibition of processed fish products from the Centre’s Fish Farm to – Dr. Salihu G. Bakari by Dr. Peter A. Ebabhamiegbebho flanked by Prof. (Mrs.) E. S. Omoregie

Inspection of Centre Facilities by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie SAN accompanied by Principal Officers of the University – Prof. B. A. Ayinde (DVC, Ekenwan Campus)

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Edoba Omoregie SAN performing the ceremonial fish harvesting

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Edoba Omoregie SAN and his “big harvest”, flanked by the Centre Director, Prof (Mrs.) Ijeoma Patience Oboh; and Prof. B. A. Ayinde (DVC, Ekenwan Campus).

25 November, 2024 –

Ceremonial Fish Harvesting

Vice Chancellor Performs Ceremonial Fish Harvesting at the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture and Food Technology (TCEAFT)

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lilian I. Salami accompanied by Principal Officers of the University – Prof. (Mrs) Catherine Ukponwan (DVC, Administration), Prof. Ray Ozolua (DVC Academic), Prof. B. A. Ayinde (DVC, Ekenwan Campus), Mr. Ademola A. Bobola (University Registrar), Mr. Gabriel O. Osadolor (Ag. Bursar), Barr. Jonathan T. Meggison (Ag. Librarian) and Prof. Sede (Chairman, University TETFund Project) visited the Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture and Food Technology. The Vice Chancellor performed the ceremonial fish harvesting, which marked a milestone achievement in the existence of the Centre, and the commencement of sales of Table size catfish to the University community. The Centre Director – Prof (Mrs.) Ijeoma P. Oboh in company of Dr. P. A. Ebabhamiegbebho (Deputy Director), Board Members and Members of the Project Management Team welcomed the University Management to the Centre.

The Centre Director, took the University management team on a tour guide of the fish farm, while outlining the achievements of the Centre in infrastructural development, teaching and ongoing research activities. The Vice Chancellor commended the Centre Director and its Project Management Team for their commitment in repositioning the Centre for productivity, and encouraged them not to relent in their efforts in making the Centre a research and information hub for fisheries, aquaculture and food technology. The Centre Director on behalf of the Project Management Team expressed her gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for her immeasurable support to the Centre.

Madam Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lilian I. Salami displaying her “big harvest”, flanked by the Centre Director, Prof (Mrs.) Ijeoma Patience Oboh; Dr. P. A. Ebabhamiegbebho (Deputy Director), Prof. B. A. Ayinde (DVC, Ekenwan Campus), Prof. Sede and Prof (Mrs) Catherine Ukponwan (DVC, Administration)

Presentation of Plaque to Madam Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lilian I. Salami by the Centre Director on behalf of the Management and Staff of the Centre

Centre Director with University Management Staff. From Left: Dr. P. A. Ebabhamiegbebho (Deputy Director), Mr. Ademola A. Bobola (University Registrar), Prof. B. A. Ayinde (DVC, Ekenwan Campus), Prof. Sede (Chairman, University TETFund Project), Prof (Mrs.) Ijeoma Patience Oboh (Centre Director), Madam Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs.) Lilian I. Salami, Prof. (Mrs) Catherine Ukponwan (DVC, Administration), Prof. Ray Ozolua (DVC Academic) and Barr. Jonathan T. Meggison (Ag. Librarian)

The Centre Director, Prof (Mrs.) Ijeoma P. Oboh and Prof. Sede welcoming Madam Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lilian I. Salami to the Centre for the Ceremonial Fish Harvesting

Madam Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lilian I. Salami performing the ceremonial fish harvesting

Madam Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lilian I. Salami displaying the received Plaque

Centre Director, Prof (Mrs.) Ijeoma Patience Oboh and Dr. P. A. Ebabhamiegbebho (Deputy Director) with members of the Project Management Team

25 November, 2024 –

BIOSECURITY TRAINING

BIOSECURITY TRAINING ON CASTOR AND RICIN TOXIN FOR RESEARCHERS AND LABORATORY SCIENTISTS IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE NIGERIA FROM WEDNESDAY 16TH TO FRIDAY 18TH OF AUGUST, 2023.

The training was organized by the TETFund Centre for Excellence in Aquaculture and Food Technology University of Benin in partnership with Health Security Partners (HSP) USA and Applied Environmental Biosciences and Public Health Research Group (AEBPH RG) University of Benin. The training had in attendance fifty-two (52) participants – Thirty (30) Males and Twenty-two (22) Females comprising of research scientist, lecturers, laboratory scientists and institutional administrators from the University of Benin, Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma Edo State; and Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi Ukwu Delta State.

Modules covered in the training and names of resource persons were:

Introduction and understanding of toxin threats to biosecurity by Frederick Ekhaise
Castor and ricin toxin threats to low – effort bioterrorism by Kingsley Egun
Physical Security and Access Control of Laboratories by (Mrs.) Ijeoma P. Oboh
Identification and Prevention of Insider Threats by Kingsley Egun, Prof. (Mrs.) Ijeoma P. Oboh and Prof. Frederick Ekhaise.
Incidence Reporting and Investigation by Frederick Ekhaise
Laboratory Inventory Management by Idemudia Blessing Iyore
Introduction to Dual Use Materials and Responsibilities of Scientist by Kingsley Egun

The training achieved its expected outcomes as participants gained knowledge and awareness on the identification, monitoring, production, distribution and usage of identified precursor materials with potential for use in low effort bioterrorism. The participants were very grateful to the TETFund Centre of Aquaculture and Food Technology (TCEAFT) and Health Security Partners (HSP) for the opportunity to acquire knowledge which has stirred them to new scientific and public health research opportunities. The training concluded with the response and feedback from participants which was documented. Group photographs were taken and certificate of participation presented.

Prof. (Mrs.) Ijeoma P. OBOH Ffs

Director

Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture and Food Technology

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE BIOSECURITY TRAINING ON CASTOR AND RICIN TOXIN FOR RESEARCHERS AND LABORATORY SCIENTISTS IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE NIGERIA

The Vice Chancellor’s Representative – Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) – Prof. (Mrs.) Catherine Ukponwan (Middle) with the Director of the Centre – Prof (Mrs.) Ijeoma P. Oboh, Workshop facilitators and participants after the Opening Ceremony of the Workshop on the 17th August, 2023.

The Vice Chancellor’s Representative – Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) – Prof. (Mrs.) Catherine Ukponwan (Middle) with the Director of the Centre – Prof (Mrs.) Ijeoma P. Oboh and other Workshop facilitators after the Opening Ceremony of the Workshop on the 17th August, 2023.

The Director of the Centre – Prof (Mrs.) Ijeoma P. Oboh (Middle) and other Workshop facilitators – Dr. Kingsley Egun (left) and Prof. F. Ekhaise (right)

Participants at the Training with the Centre’s Technical Director – Dr. Peters A. Ebabhamiegbebho (middle), Training facilitators – Dr. Kingsley Egun and Dr. (Mrs.) I. Idemudia

15 August, 2024 – Vice Chancellor Working Visit to the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture and Food Technology (TCEAFT)

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin Prof. Lilian I. Salami accompanied by Principal Officers of the University paid a working visit to the Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture and Food Technology. The visit afforded the Vice Chancellor an on-site assessment of the activities and achievements of the Centre. In company of the Vice Chancellor were Prof. (Mrs) Catherine Ukponwan (DVC, Administration), Prof. Ray Ozolua (DVC Academics), Prof. B. A. Ayinde (DVC, Ekenwan Campus), Mr. Ademola A. Bobola (University Registrar), Mr. Gabriel O. Osadolor (Ag. Bursar), Barr. Jonathan T. Meggison (Ag. University Librarian). The Centre Director – Prof (Mrs.) Ijeoma P. Oboh in company of Dr. P. A. Ebabhamiegbebho (Deputy Director), Board Members and Members of the Management Team welcomed the University Management to the Centre.

Prof (Mrs.) Ijeoma P. Oboh took the University management team on a tour guide of the Centre’s facilities and fish farm while outlining the achievements of the Centre in infrastructural development and research. Notable achievements include:

the establishment of the fish farm, which in its first phase has ten (10) plastic tanks of 5,000 litres capacity installed.
each of these tanks have been stocked with 600 fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus (African catfish) for culturing to Table (market) size.
research studies on the biology and domestication of some identified indigenous culturable freshwater fish species of commercial importance is ongoing.

The Vice Chancellor commended the Centre Director and its Management Team for the outstanding achievements recorded within the past one year of their assumption of duty. The Centre Director on behalf of the Management Team expressed her gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for her immeasurable support to the Centre.

The Centre Director, Prof (Mrs.) Ijeoma Patience Oboh, Dr. P. A. Ebabhamiegbebho (Deputy Director), Prof. Joel Abolagba (Former Centre Director) and TCEAFT management staff on ground to welcome the Vice Chancellor Prof. Lilian I. Salami and other Principal Officers of the University for a working visit to the Centre

The Centre Director, Prof (Mrs.) Ijeoma P. Oboh welcomes Madam Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lilian I. Salami and other Principal Officers of the University for a working visit to the Centre.

The Centre Director, Prof. Ijeoma P. Oboh outlining completed Projects on the Farm to the Vice Chancellor Prof. Lilian I. Salami and the University Management Team

Prof. Lilian I. Salami (Vice Chancellor) commending the Centre Director Prof. (Mrs.) Ijeoma Oboh and the Centre Management Team for their outstanding achievements recorded within the past one year of their assumption of duty.

Inspection of Centre Facilities by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Lilian I. Salami flanked by the University Management Team and the TCEAFT Management Team, with the Centre Director giving a brief of the Centre’s activities

Inspection of the fingerlings in the plastic tank by the University Management Team.

From Left: Prof (Mrs) Catherine Ukponwan (DVC, Academics), Prof. Lilian I. Salami (Vice Chancellor), Prof. B. A. Ayinde (DVC, Ekenwan Campus), Prof. (Mrs.) Ijeoma P. Oboh (Centre Director), Mr. S. E. Imhankon (Board Secretary) and Dr. Kenneth Omoruyi (M&E Officer)

Group Photograph of the Centre Director with the Principal Officers of the University of Benin.

From left: Mr. Gabriel O. Osadolor (Ag. Bursar), Mr. Ademola A. Bobola (University Registrar), Prof. Ray Ozolua (DVC Academics), Prof (Mrs.) Ijeoma P. Oboh (Centre Director), Prof. Lilian I. Salami (Vice Chancellor), Prof. (Mrs) Catherine Ukponwan (DVC, Administration), Prof. B. A. Ayinde (DVC, Ekenwan Campus) and Barr. Jonathan T. Meggison (Ag. University Librarian).

15 July, 2024 – Stocking of Fingerlings for the Grow Out Unit

The TETFund Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture and Food Technology (TCEAFT) has commenced fish production with the stocking of Clarias gariepinus (African catfish) fingerlings at the Grow out unit of the fish farm. Also, the Centre has commenced training and research activities on various aspects of aquaculture.

Sorting and stocking of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings being carried out under the supervision of Dr. N. Kingsley Egun (Research officer) and Dr. Kenneth Omoruyi (Monitoring and Evaluation Officer)

Group Photograph of Prof. Lilian I. Salami (Vice Chancellor) with members of the University Management and members of the Centre’s Board and Staff.

Construction Activities on the Fish Farm

The TETFund Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture and Food Technology (TCEAFT) has commenced construction activities for the establishment of the fish farm. Work has started on the first phase of the Grow Out Unit in the fish farm, with the installation of Ten (10) plastic tanks of 5,000 litres capacity each and a stocking capacity of 600 fingerlings per tank.

Designated Site for the Construction of Hatchery and Grow Out Facilities before commencement of work

Cleared and Complete fencing of the project site using chain-link mesh.

Installed Electrical Change over switch for the Centre Building

Installed and functional 3 HP Industrial water borehole

Construction of concrete platform

Installed Ten (10) Plastic Tanks of 5,000 litres capacity each on the Concrete Platform.

Completed Major Concrete drainage with two (2) Sub-surface water collector boreholes installed

Completed Concrete platform and drainage

Drilling of one (1) Industrial borehole

The Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny S. T. Echono, FNIA, OON Visit to the Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture and Food Technology, University of Benin. Benin City, Nigeria.