Speeches

Installation of The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Bello CFR, As The 7th Chancellor of The University of Benin

Jul 21, 2007 - With every sense of humility and appreciation, I am happy to be here today in this hallowed ground of a great institution, the University of Benin, to witness this great occasion. I am not only here in my capacity as the Chief Executive of Lagos State but as a former alumnus of this great citadel of learning. This is the school that nurtured me academically and in the best tradition to become an achiever. The moral creed of the University of Benin – Knowledge for Service – has been tried and tested, and as a living testament, I can proudly beat my chest as an Ugbowo-ite.

The University of Benin established in 1970, has contributed in no mean terms to the socio-economic and human capital development of Nigeria. Graduates of the University of Benin can be found among the topmost echelons of the public and private sectors of the economy as decision makers. Among outstanding alumni of Great Uniben include the irrepressible Chief Nduka Obaigbena of THISDAY Newspaper fame, and my humble self Babatunde Raji Fashola as Governor of Lagos State, Nigeria’s only Centre of Excellence.

In the best tradition of development of leadership potentials, the University of Benin has always set the pace as a gender sensitive institution that gives equal opportunity to all. Therefore, it was not surprising when Professor Grace Alele-Williams emerged as the first female Vice-Chancellor in a Nigerian University, if not the first in Africa. Her tenure, 1985-1991, recorded major growth in students’ enrolment, development of physical infrastructure and significant improvement in the quality of academic researches.

Enduring academic work and research are the hallmarks of great institutions all over the world, and this can only be achieved through the provision of necessary infrastructure and adequate funding to support research. In the past, government had always provided funding, even if it was inadequate. However, present day realities behove the Vice-Chancellor as the Chief Executive of this institution to co-operate with both the Chancellor and the Governing Council to access parallel funds from various development agencies and other funding partners to enhance the academic growth and continued relevance of this great institution.

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is in the light of this latter day realities that I commend the choice of His Eminence, The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Bello, CFR, as the new Chancellor of the Governing Council of the University of Benin. The appointment of Sultan of Sokoto did not come to me as a surprise, it was a clear recognition of his antecedents and pedigree. Quite often, brave men are scarce and when one like Sultan is found, then the generation should be eternally grateful.

The installation of the Sultan of Sokoto, as the 7th Chancellor of the University of Benin portends good tidings for the academic community, because he is a man of integrity who values education and will bring to bear on the fortunes of this great institution the value of his goodwill and wealth of experience

I believe that during the Chancellorship tenure of Sultan, UNIBEN will witness great transformation in terms of physical, intellectual and socio-spiritual development. I am sure that my alma mata will definitely be ranked among the first 200 in Africa during his tenure.

I hope both the Governing Council and, indeed, the University administration will continue to uphold the tenets and values of democracy and seek for means of bequeathing a worthy legacy to future generations. Be that as it may, it is incumbent on the administration to use the opportunity provided by the system to equip and empower our future leaders to face the challenges of the new millennium.

Generally, there are challenges associated with governance and administration, but I am happy to say that with the little years I have spent in the public service, democracy has remained the best form of government. With every conviction within me, I have a quiet confidence in our political system. We are confident that democratic example that we have set in Lagos State will be compelling and so we seek to bring that example closer to those from whom in the past few years we have been separated and who are not yet convinced about the advantages of our kind of life.

I urge the entire alumni to rally round the Chancellor, Alhaji Sa’ad Bello CFR, Sultan of Sokoto, the Governing Council and the University administration and lift the pennant of the University of Benin through the sponsorship of professorial chairs, endowments and grants to assist in the funding of research works and development of much needed infrastructure.

Once more, I congratulate the Chancellor, His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Bello, CFR, Sultan of Sokoto on his appointment and installation as the 7th Chancellor of the Governing Council of the University of Benin and pray that, may his tenure record landmark achievements for the benefit of humanity.
Thank you all for listening.

“Eko o ni baje o!”

Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN)
Governor of Lagos State