The University of Benin Alumni Association has announced that Hon. Dr. Princess Ann Izi, an accomplished maritime expert and respected public figure, will be conferred with the Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of her exceptional service to national development, academic innovation, and professional excellence.
Dr. Izi, widely celebrated for her pioneering work in the maritime sector, is credited with introducing structured maritime education and training programmes into Nigerian universities.
An achievement that has helped open new career pathways for young scholars and strengthened the nation’s maritime capacity.
Her initiatives, colleagues said, have placed Nigeria on a stronger footing within the global maritime community.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the UNIBEN Alumni Association, Engr.Ibrahim Umar, described Dr. Izi as “a woman whose dedication, integrity, and consistent pursuit of excellence continue to bring honour to the University of Benin and its alumni worldwide.”
He also commended the Abuja branch of the association for consistently producing alumni who excel in national and international arenas.
According to Umar, Dr. Izi’s selection for the honour reflects both her professional accomplishments and her ongoing commitment to public service and community development.
The Distinguished Alumni Award will be presented on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the UNIBEN Sports Complex, Ugbowo Campus.
The ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. and forms a major highlight of the 2025 Global Homecoming events organised by the UNIBEN Alumni Association Worldwide.
This year’s homecoming is expected to attract alumni from across Nigeria and the diaspora, with a programme featuring reunions, lectures, awards, and celebrations of notable achievements by graduates of the institution.
Also announced in the goodwill message was the participation of the Honourable Minister for Regional Development, H.E. Alhaji Abubakar Momoh, who will serve as Special Guest of Honour.
He will be recognized alongside several other distinguished personalities being honoured for outstanding contributions in their respective fields.
Organisers said the event aimed not only to celebrate excellence but also to inspire current students and younger alumni to pursue leadership, innovation, and service to the nation.
Dr. Ann Izi
A Maritime Expert.
