Inauguration of the University of Ghent by the Prince of Orange in the throne room of the town hall, 9 October 181, by M.I. van Bree. Education played a major role in William I's attempt to promote national unity - from nursery school to university. The North had three universities (Leiden, Utrecht and Groningen). Since the French occupation the South no longer had any. Three universities were therefore established by Royal Decree: at Louvain, Liège and Ghent. The crown prince (the future King William II) is seated to the left of an empty throne above which is a portrait of King William I. He is listening to a speech by the commissioner general of Public Education, Science and Art. At his side are the vice chancellor, the mayor of Ghent and the president of the board of curators.