By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
As part of the activities marking the 30th Anniversary of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, President Mohammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Amb. Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, CFR, and Prof. Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, of PLO Lumumba Foundation, Kenya, have been penciled to deliver the 14th Convocation and Founders Day Lectures.
Prof. Andy Egwunyenga, the Vice Chancellor (VC) of DELSU disclosed this today in Abraka while briefing journalists in the DELSU 30th Anniversary and 14th Convocation World Press Conference, held at the 750 A lecture Hall site III of the Campus.
He noted that DELSU was holding its 14th convocation ceremony and 30th anniversary for the conferment of First Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, Higher Degrees, Honorary Degrees and presentation of Prizes.
Egwunyenga, who commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa led State Government for the supports in developing and growing DELSU noted that “we look back with satisfaction our growth from one Faculty University with student population of less than 1000 in 1992 to a citadel of learning with 12 Faculties, over 85 Departments, more than 100 academic programmes, 27 Directorate’s and Research Centres, Postgraduate School and student population of about 30,000. DELSU has now taken a place of pride as one of the best State University in Nigeria”.
He said on assumption of office as VC he elected to lead, inspire and advance the transformation of DELSU by building a motivated workforce, pursuit of innovation, strengthening academic and administrative units of the University, improve her revenue base and deploy a new approach to administration based on robust focus on staff and students welfare and open communication.
Adding, the VC revealed that in undertaking the aforementioned functions DELSU has made tremendous progress with determination to do more. That from the latest National Universities Commission (NUC) Ranking of over 200 Universities in Nigeria, DELSU has emerged as;
14th position among best universities in Nigeria, 4th position among best State universities in Nigeria, 2nd best in the South-South geopolitical zone, 3rd state university nationwide with the highest number of professors and other numerous achievements in the NUC ratings.
Highlighting events, Egwunyenga said the Convocation ceremony commenced on Friday, 22nd April, 2022 with the Jumat Service at the University Prayer ground, while Sunday, 24th, April 2022, was the Interdenominational church service held at St, Paul Catholic chapel in the School.
” Today Monday, 25th April, 2022 features the ongoing World Press Conference by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga at 750 A lecture Hall site III here.
“Wednesday, 27th, 2022 is the Convocation Lecture by Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, CFR at the 750 A lecture Hall site III by 10am.
“On the same day is Graduands’ Cocktail at the V’cs Lodge. Same day convocation drama @ Arts Theatre site III.
“Thursday 28th April 2022
(I)30th Anniversary Thanksgiving @ convocation arena, site III
(II)Delta State University Founders Day Celebration
(III)Commemorative lecture by Prof. Patrick Loch Lumumba
(IV)Launching of Delsu Endowment Fund
(V)Launching of the Commemorative Book @ 30.
“(VI) Luncheon.
“FRIDAY 29th April 2022
(a)Alumni Novelty Football Match (9.00am)
(b) Carnival beginning at site II to site III convocation arena
(c)Alumni Engagement (4.00pm to 6.00pm)
(d)Vc’s Award and Commendation Day (4.00pm to 6.00pm)
“SATURDAY 30th April, 2022
(a) Commissioning of Projects 9.00am
“(b) Award of First Degrees on graduating students in the Faculty of Education; Faculty of Social and Management Sciences;
“Faculty of Arts; Faculty of Agriculture; Faculty of Science; Faculty of Law with Award of Higher Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and presentation of Prize.
“(c)Investiture of Professor Emeritus on Prof. E.A Arubayi & Prof Sam Ukala.
“(d)Conferment of Honorary Degrees on HRM Hon. F.F Tabai and Chief J.J Ovia, MFR, CON.
“(e) Vice Chancellor’s Luncheon”. The DELSU Vice Chancellor added.