His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse, Tor Tiv has assumed duty as the 10th substantive Chancellor of University of Benin (UNIBEN).

He succeeded the deposed Kanu Emir and former Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido who was appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

The installation Ceremony took which took place on Monday at the main Campus of institution, coincide with the Launching of the Golden Jubilee titled, Fifty years of University of Benin: 1970-2020.

The book launch was supposed to have been launched in 2020, but due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic and prolonged strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, was postponed indefinitely.

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Ayatse, announced annual prize for the best well-behaved student of the institution after the assessment of UNIBEN Senate, beginning from next academic session.

He commended the visitor of the University and President Muhammadu Buhari for finding him worthy for the position.

The paramount Benue traditional ruler, described his new assignment as a familiar terrain and promised to work diligently to take the University to a greater heights.

He noted that he is not oblivious of the challenges confronting public Universities in Nigeria, assuring that he will use his influence to take UNIBEN to greater heights.

In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor of University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof. Lilian Salami, expressed optimism that the newly installed Chancellor will steer the University to a greater heights.

The book Reviewer, Prof. Austin Monye from the Faculty of Arts, University of Benin and the Acting Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Prof. Benson Osarieme Osadolor, gave the ideas behind the book.

Monye, said the 431-page book with 19 Chapters, was authored by erudite scholars in the school adding that, the book is a must read.

The first phase of the book dwelt on insights and intrigues that scuttled the plans by the University of Ibadan (UI) to establish a Campus in Benin City decades ago.

He noted that following the inability to realise the mandate, UNIBEN which was formerly known as Institute of Management Technology located at Iyaro before it transformed into a full fledge University in 1971.

“This became a blessing in disguise” for the Founding fathers including the late Brig.-General Samuel Ogbemudia.

According to him, second and third phases of UNIBEN evolution, dwell on the key factors of development and growth as well as the invaluable contributions of some patriotic Nigerians to the University.

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