James Ojo Alleh, the overall best graduating student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) during its 49th and 50th combined Convocation Ceremonies, has been awarded the prestigious “Trig Energy Academic Prize for Akoko-Edo Students.” A native of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo State, Alleh’s academic excellence and historic achievement have earned widespread recognition.
The prize is an initiative of Mr. Humphrey Teddy Adewumi, a distinguished alumnus of UNIBEN’s Department of Political Sciences and Chief Executive Officer of Trig Energy Ltd, who hails from Akoko-Edo. The award, including a cash prize of ₦500,000, was presented during the convocation ceremony held at the Ugbowo Campus of the University.
Alleh, a First-Class graduate of Petroleum Engineering, achieved an unprecedented 4.98 CGPA, the highest in UNIBEN’s history. During the award presentation, Mr. Adewumi, represented by his Personal Assistant on Political Matters, Ogunnubi Kingsley Princewill, commended Alleh for his exceptional dedication and record-breaking performance.
“Your remarkable commitment to academic excellence has paid off, and we are elated to celebrate your success,” Mr. Adewumi remarked. He further emphasized that Alleh’s achievement serves as a source of pride, not only for the Akoko-Edo community but for all who value education nationwide.
He encouraged other students, especially those from Akoko-Edo, to draw inspiration from Alleh’s story and strive for similar excellence during their academic journeys.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony included Prof. Clement Ighodaro, Dean of Students’ Affairs; Prof. Emmanuel Ogujor, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Dr. Ikpomwonsa Ohenhen, Head of Petroleum Engineering; Prof. E.O. Oshomoh, Head of Science Laboratory Technology; and Engr. Salami David, among others—all proud sons of Akoko-Edo.
Trig Energy Ltd, an oil marketing company headquartered in Lagos, sponsors the prize as part of its corporate social responsibility. The company is a key player in Nigeria’s aviation sector, providing aviation fuel services at major commercial hubs across the country.
This award underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating academic excellence, while inspiring the next generation of scholars and professionals.
