The University of Benin on Monday installed the chairman, Benue traditional council, the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, as the 10th substantive chancellor of the university.
Speaking at the event in Benin, the chancellor challenged the university senate to develop criteria for character assessment of students who will clinch the prize for the best-behaved student with effect from the next academic year.
“Both learning and character are required for success in all spheres of life.
“Universities have guidelines for assessing learning and awarding prizes for such efforts but not much thought is given to assess, promote and reward the character requirement,” he said.
He assured of using his wealth of experience and resourcefulness to partner with the governing council and the management to make the university a citadel of excellence.
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for finding him worthy and entrusting him with the responsibility of a chancellor.
Earlier, the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Lilian Salami, said the chancellor’s appointment would be beneficial to the university.
According to him, the appointment came at a time when the wisdom and experiences of reputable leaders in society were needed for development.
“Our new chancellor is a distinguished traditional ruler and also an erudite scholar.
“He was a Vice-Chancellor of two top-class universities at different times,” he said.
On his part, a former Delta State governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, called on the federal government to beef up security in the country to avoid hunger.
According to him, hunger is going to increase in the country, as most farmers can no longer go to the farm following the suspected attacks by herders on farmers.
Daily Trust report that the first assignment performed by the Chancellor was the opening of the Royal Choice Inn, which was built by a former basketball star, Felix Akiga, Royal Choice Limited.