OBA BENIN INSTALLS AS CHANCELLOR OF NOUN: COMMITMENT TO EDUCATIONAL AND NSTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

New Chancellor NOUN, His Royal Magesty, Omo N Oba N Edo Uku Akpolokpolor, Ewuare 11,CFR, Oba Of Benin 

Oba of Benin Installed As Chancellor NOUN: A Commitment to Education and National Development

In a significant stride towards advancing education and fostering national development, the Federal Government recently bestowed upon His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolor, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, the esteemed position of Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). The investiture ceremony, held during the 13th Convocation of the University in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria's academic landscape.

Representing the nation's leadership, President Bola Tinubu, through the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, adorned Oba Ewuare II with the Chancellorship mantle, charging him with the responsibility to elevate the university's stature and enhance its core objectives. This historic occasion witnessed Oba Ewuare II also being conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration by NOUN, further solidifying his commitment to educational excellence and national progress.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Ewuare II underscored his dedication to fulfilling his duties diligently, urging the government to bolster funding for the university and advocating for the inclusion of NOUN graduates in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. His call for amendments to the university's founding Act reflects his keen insight into the challenges facing tertiary education in Nigeria and his proactive approach towards addressing them.

Moreover, Oba Ewuare II's emphasis on entrepreneurship resonates with the evolving landscape of higher education, where the cultivation of practical skills and innovation is paramount. As the Chancellor, he serves as a beacon of inspiration for both current and future students, encouraging them to not only excel academically but also to embrace the spirit of enterprise and leadership.

The Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, echoed Oba Ewuare II's sentiments, hailing the convocation as a watershed moment for the university and its graduates. Under his stewardship, NOUN has embarked on a path of promoting local content by exclusively procuring vehicles from Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing Company, thereby contributing to the growth of indigenous industries.

President Tinubu, in his address, emphasized the pivotal role of multidisciplinary research in advancing national interests and reiterated the government's commitment to expanding distance learning opportunities. He highlighted the imperative of collaboration between the public and private sectors to enhance access, quality, and affordability in tertiary education, aligning with NOUN's mission of democratizing learning.

The conferral of honorary degrees upon Chief (Dr) Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma, represented by Mr. Jonas Chukwu, and Hajiya Hafdatu Ahmed Abdulrahid further underscores NOUN's commitment to recognizing individuals who have made exemplary contributions to their respective fields, thus inspiring a new generation of leaders and innovators.

As NOUN embarks on a new chapter under the stewardship of Oba Ewuare II, it is poised to redefine the boundaries of inclusive education and drive socio-economic development through knowledge dissemination and innovation. With visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and a steadfast focus on excellence, the university is primed to realize its vision of becoming a global center of academic excellence, propelling Nigeria towards a brighter, more prosperous future.