From Tony Osauzo, Benin
President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, installed the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II as the 4th Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano.
The President who was represented by the Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, performed the installation at the 36th and 37th combined Convocation Ceremony of the University in Kano, where a total of 16,581 students bagged various degrees.
He stated that the university is indeed lucky to have the seasoned diplomat as its chancellor, assuring that the Oba will bring his wealth of experience to bear in discharging his duties.
Congratulating the Oba on the twin honour as the Chancellor and award of Doctor of Law degree (Honoris Causa) by the university, Buhari said he has no doubt that the monarch is worthy of his calling, noting that the 46-year-old university will attain greater heights in the years to come.
The visitor to the university also promised to provide perimeter fence in the university and appealed to the Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, to intervene on the crisis between neighbouring communities and the university over land encroachment.
In his address, the Oba pledged his commitment towards the advancement of teaching, learning and research in the institution.
He also promised to focus on attracting interventions to improve the fortunes of the institution through collaboration for global competitiveness.
“Our resolve is to continue to do things that will take us to greater heights as we continue to leverage on the achievements made by our predecessors and its Management team, we will also take stock” the Benin monarch said.
In their separate remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas and the Pro-Chancellor, Senator Udo Udoma, outlined the prospects, challenges and breakthroughs that have been recorded by the institution.