AFRICA | An exceptional Nigerian man graduates with 4.98 first-class in Petroleum Engineering, breaks UNIBEN’s 54-year-old record.
An exceptional Nigerian man named James Alleh has made history at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Nigeria, by earning a first-class degree in Mechanical Engineering with an outstanding cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.98.
This remarkable feat madevhim the overall best graduating student of the 2024 class and the highest CGPA holder since the university’s establishment 54 years ago. James’s achievements extend further;
He was the best-graduating student of the Department of Petroleum Engineering and the Faculty of Engineering and became the valedictorian for the combined 49th & 50th Convocation, marking the first time a student from the Department of Petroleum Engineering received this honor at both the faculty and university levels.
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Reflecting on his incredible journey, James quoted a bible verse: “When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.”
He expressed that standing as valedictorian felt surreal and was a profound privilege, representing not only his own hard work but also the resilience and dedication of his peers.
However, James’s academic journey was far from smooth. Financial struggles almost forced him to drop out of school. His mother, a widow, bore the weight of the family’s financial responsibilities until Seplat Energy Plc awarded James a life-changing scholarship in 2019.
Grateful for the support, James made a personal vow: he would dedicate himself to mentoring and teaching his coursemates and younger students for free. For six years, he fulfilled this promise, considering it a debt he owed to society.
James attributed his success to God, stating: “God has been the source of it all—my strength, the foundation of my achievements, and the reason for the people and experiences that enriched my journey.”
He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the organizations and companies that supported him through scholarships, sponsorships, and internships, including:
Bedrock Human Development Foundation Scholarship, Baker Hughes, Shell Nigeria, Midwestern Oil & Gas Company Limited, Seplat Energy Plc, TotalEnergies, Chevron, Gankco Energy Services, Matrix Energy, Vaughn Energy Services Limited, SPE NIGERIA COUNCIL DROPS, and other individual and community-based scholarships.
James shared a deeply emotional moment during the convocation ceremony. After receiving his award and shaking hands with Vice-Chancellor Professor Lilian Salami, he heard someone screaming—it was his mother. Overcome with emotion, he turned to embrace her.
In a rare and touching gesture, Professor Salami invited James’s mother onto the stage. As she climbed up, she knelt before the dignitaries, overwhelmed with gratitude and disbelief. James described the moment as unforgettable.
“Seeing my mom in that state brought tears to my eyes. I couldn’t help but reflect on everything she has endured since losing my dad. She bore the weight of our family’s financial burdens with courage and grace,” James said.
James expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for the honor and concluded with a heartfelt tribute. “God bless my mom. God bless every mother who, like her, has courageously taken on the responsibilities of the home,” he said.
As he looks forward to future opportunities, he remains determined to make a meaningful impact in his field and continue mentoring others.
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