President Muhammadu Buhari has made a significant appointment by appointing His Royal Majesty, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, as the Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja.
During a courtesy visit to the Oba in Benin City, Professor Olufemi Peters, the Vice Chancellor of NOUN, officially conveyed the appointment to the monarch. He highlighted the significance of introducing the University’s management team to the Oba, which is a customary procedure.
“We are grateful to His Royal Majesty, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin for his granting us the audience to come and pay a courtesy visit to him.
“It is normal what we have done especially when a new Chancellor is appointed in the University. We must come to see him so that he will know members of the University’s management team.
“We have had so much about the Benin tradition and culture, we thanked the Benin people for keeping to their culture and tradition.” He expressed.
Expressing gratitude to Oba Ewuare II for granting them an audience, Professor Peters acknowledged the rich Benin tradition and culture, emphasizing the importance of preserving and honoring these customs.
The Vice Chancellor further highlighted that NOUN is the largest university in Nigeria and was established to provide accessible education to Nigerians, regardless of their geographical location, circumstances, or social barriers. With over 120,000 students nationwide, the appointment of Oba Ewuare II as Chancellor further elevates the prestige of the institution.
In response, Oba Ewuare II expressed his appreciation to President Buhari for the appointment, considering it a recognition of both the Benin Kingdom and the impactful work it has been doing. The Oba pledged to bring his wealth of experience to his role as Chancellor.
“I am most grateful to the Commander-In-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari, for deeming me fit and appointing me as Chancellor of the University.
“I am elated and happy that I have been appointed as Chancellor of the University. We thank God and our ancestors for the recognition.
“It is a recognition of the work we have been doing, recognition of Benin Kingdom, the cultural ways we have displayed all along,” Oba of Benin said.
This appointment adds to the recent recognition of Oba Ewuare II as the Chancellor of Bayero University in Kano, reinforcing his stature as a respected and influential figure across the country.