By: Ike Abiagom
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]braka town in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State was agog as Professor Andy Egwunyenga,thanked God over his emergence as the 7th Vice Chancellor of the institution from Professor Victor Peretomode on the 1st of December, 2019.
As a man of wisdom, the new vice-chancellor’s first point of action was to commence his glorious tenure with a
thanksgiving ceremony at Saint Paul’s Catholic Chapel, Abraka, before proceeding to Convocation Arena in Site III of
the campus for the reception. Despite the sunny weather which felt as if Abraka community was sharing boundary with
hell fire, people still came out in their large numbers to celebrate with Egwunyenga. The reception center(Convocation
Arena in Site III of the campus), where his thanksgiving reception held, was filled to capacity . People from all
spheres of life including various cultural groups in the institution were seen dancing and chanting his name and at a
time, it seemed like a coronation ceremony. Clearly, his ascension to this coveted position indicates the dawn of a new
era in Delta State University. The ambience perhaps tells of the quality of leader he is.
As the State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa graced the event and other Dignitaries that graced the ceremony
include: Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA), Hon. Pat Ajudua, Chief Whip, DTHA,
Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, Chairman, Governing Council, DELSU, Abraka, Chief Fidelis Tilije, Commissioner for Finance, Prof.
Patrick Muoboghare, Commissioner for Higher Education, Olorogun Arthur Akpowowo, Commissioner for Urban Renewal and Mr.
Patrick Ukah, Commissioner for Basic Education.
Others are Odogwu of Igbuzor and Chairman,Lifeguard Securities Ltd. Chief Charles Okonkwo, O.C. Majoroh and Chief
Benard Edewor, Leader, People’s Democratic Party, Ethiope East, Chief Ambrose Elue-Dike , Elder Anene Chigbue and Dr
Austin Obidi, Chairman, Delta State Hospital Management Board .
Some of the traditional rulers present at the event are HRM Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II JP OON, Obi of Owa and Chairman,
Delta State Traditional Rulers’ Council,Obi Prof. L.C. Nwoboshi, Obuzor of Igbuzor, HRM Akpomeyoma Majoroh Ojeta II,
Ovie of Oruarivie Abraka Kingdom, Orodje of Okpe, Orue I, represented by Prof. (Chief) Emmanuel Oyibo, HRM Ambassador
Donald Ejechi Ekeruche, the Ebu of Umuebu Kingdom, Obi Chukwumalieze, Obi of Onicha-Ugbo, Obi Kikachukwu, Obi of
Ubulu-nor and HRM Paul Ifeneziuche, the Igwete of Amai Kingdom.
Meanwhile,Delta Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, has challenged Nigerian universities to produce graduates fit
largely for self-employment. Gov. Okowa charged Prof. Egwunyenga to look into ways of considering paying attention to
courses that are focused on Information Technology.According to him, graduates of Nigerian universities should not only
compete favourably with their peers in the world and should also be innovative in creating jobs.
He congratulated Egwunyenga on his emergence as vice chancellor, saying “I must appreciate all of you for the
solidarity and I congratulate you on your emergence as the Vice Chancellor of DELSU.
“I am aware that you understand the level of challenges on your table and should work to ensure that those who leave
the university gainfully employ themselves and are innovative.
“For the Vice Chancellor to succeed, the academic community and the non-academic staff must cooperate with him.”
Furthermore, he assured the new management of the state government’s willingness to partner with the new administration
to help actualize his dreams for the university.
“It’s a daunting challenge, but I am sure that you will do well as VC,” Okowa averred.
In his address, Professor Egwunyenga, said that he was overwhelmed with joy, seeing the large turnout of persons that
came out to join him in appreciating God over the smooth takeoff of his administration.
He added: “Seeing all past Vice Chancellors here and the crowd from the university environment attests to the fact that
I will enjoy the support of stakeholders in DELSU. I promise not to disappoint all those that have high hopes in my
capacity to deliver.”
While promising to promote peace in the university, Egwunyenga assured the staff and students of the university that he will be guided by the laws of DELSU and vowed to embrace best practices that will move the tertiary institution forward.
He commended Okowa for his commitment to the development of the university.
