19th May, 2023
By Jethro Ibileke
The Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Ewuare II, (CFR), has been appointed as the Chancellor of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), by the federal government.
The appointment is coming two years after the institution has been without a Chancellor.
The latest appointment is the second, having been appointed Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, in February this year, by President Muhammadu Buhari.
NOUN is the largest University in Nigeria, with over 120,000 students population, cutting across the various Distance teaching and learning Centres nationwide.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Monarch, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the the management staff of the institution announced the appointment during a visit to the Palace.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olufemi Peters, who led the team, also gave insight into the workforce plan of the school while addressing the great Benin throne.
He noted that fortunes of the University would improve tremendously with the new feat.
“The reason why this University was established by the federal government is to bring University education to as many Nigerians wherever they are and whatever their circumstances or social hindrances may be.
“We are in every state of this Country, serving every area. We have over 120,000 students. It is the biggest University in Nigeria,” Peters said.
In his acceptance speech, Ewuare II commended President Muhammadu Buhari for finding him worthy of the position.
He promised to bring his wealth of experience bear in the discharge of his duties and leverage on his experience during his diplomatic sojourn towards improving teaching and learning in the University with the support of its Management team.
According to him, “When In was first informed, about my appointment, I was very happy.
We thank God almighty for this recognition of the work we have being doing in Benin Kingdom.
We hope to hope to bring our experience to bear in piloting the affair.
“I am most grateful to the Commander-in-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari for deeming it fit to appoint me as Vice Chancellor of National Open University of Nigeria.”
Highpoint of the visit was the presentation of some literatures of National Open University of Nigeria by the Management of the school to the Oba.