Egwunyenga Leads DELSU’s 16th Pre-convocation Thanksgiving, Reflects On Leadership Journey

By Joshua Erubami

The Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Andy Egwunyenga, today, said the institution has recorded numerous worthy feats for which the university community should be thankful to God.

Egwunyenga made the statement at a pre-convocation thanksgiving service held at St. Paul’s Catholic Chaplaincy, Abraka as part of the activities marking the 16th convocation ceremony of DELSU.

The Vice-Chancellor explained that the achievements of the university range from infrastructural development to the increasing number of quality graduates churned out annually.

According to him, the successes of his administration were made possible by the unity and commitment of staff and students of the university who not only contributed their quota but also motivated his leadership approach in the last five years.

He said: “This University has come a long way; at least by my count, not less than 60,000 persons have graduated from this university.

“I want to thank all those who have contributed to this process. What I have noticed in this university is the unity of purpose in the past five years.

“I think we have reasons to rejoice. We have achieved a lot. Our graduands are doing very well across the world. We have to show that commitment this (convocation) week which has been kicked off with our supplication to God.”

Reflecting on his leadership style in the last five years, the professor of parasitology and public health narrated how he drew inspiration from people in different strata of the university, including students who defy sleep to read overnight in the quest for academic excellence.

He disclosed that he was also motivated by one of his drivers, Mr Sunday Nwabudike who is always punctual to work despite living in neighbouring Obiaruku town, adding that Nwabuike’s dedication constantly reminded him of his commitment to DELSU as Vice-Chancellor.

Similarly, Egwunyenga said the activities of his administration were partly inspired by one Mr Solomon Utiome, a person living with disability, who struggled to earn a master’s degree and became an Assistant lecturer in DELSU.

“Even before he earned his master’s degree and formally joined the academic staff of this university, he (Utiome) has been organising private lessons at no fee, teaching the students biochemistry and making many of them better students.

“When I saw how physically challenged he was, I said we must do something to make the environment better and this inspired us to put ramps around every building in the university.”

The V-C also praised a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of DELSU, Prof. Peter Aloamaka who returned to the university to obtain first, second and PhD degrees in law and also became a catechist despite his elderly age and being a professor for over 25 years.

Earlier in a homily, Dr. James Urien urged leaders to emulate Jesus who cares for his flock as the good shepherd, noting that true leadership is about influencing people positively.

Urien admonished that a true leader should be able to envision the desired future ahead of others, take responsibility, encourage people to sustain development processes, place value on teamwork, embrace humility and leave lasting legacies.

The Reverend father encouraged members of the university community to continually contribute to the growth of DELSU and refrain from sabotaging development efforts.

The thanksgiving service was attended by principal officers of the university, including the wife of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebele Egwunyenga, former VC of DELSU, Prof. Eric Arubayi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Rosemary Okoh, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Ochuko Anomohanran, Provost of Oleh Campus, Prof. Elo Ibagere, and Dean of Faculty of the Social Sciences, Prof. Sam Ogege, among others.

The convocation activities continue on Tuesday, April, 23 with a Vice-Chancellor’s press conference and Arts Exhibition.

Meanwhile, Prof. Andy Egwunyenga has reiterated the university’s commitment to maintaining collaboration with the National University Commission (NUC) to ensure the quality of her students upon graduation.