Postgraduate studies were introduced in the University of Benin in the 1979/80 academic session even though postgraduate Diploma in Education in Education started in 1976/77 session. The necessary preparations were carried out during the 1978/79 session when a Board of Postgraduate Studies was established. The School of Postgraduate Studies admitted the first set of students in various Departments in 1979/80 session. A total of 87 students were enrolled in that poineer year. In addition, the Board of Postgraduate Studies produced the General Regulations Governing Higher Degrees which  were first considered by Faculties/Schools and were finally approved by Senate at it's meeting of 30^th June 1980.