Alltimepost.com Sincerity of Purpose
It was a moment of tribute, reflection, and resounding applause at the University of Delta, Agbor (UNIDEL), on Thursday, April 23, 2026, as torrents of encomiums greeted the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stella Chinye Chiemeke, at a grand public lecture and unveiling of her biography and book of essays.
Held at the institution’s 1,000 Capacity Hall, the colorful ceremony drew a distinguished audience that gathered to honor a leader widely credited with building the University from the ground up.
In a deeply reflective valedictory address, Professor Stella Chiemeke gave thanks to God for what she described as a remarkable five-year journey marked by challenges, resilience, and fulfillment.
With emotion and gratitude, she acknowledged the pivotal role of former Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for his “pioneering support” in her emergence as the institution’s founding Vice-Chancellor.
She also lauded the current Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for his “unwavering support and commitment to integrating entrepreneurship and practical skills into our educational system,” describing the policy as a strategic investment in youth development.
Turning to the university community, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor paid glowing tribute to lecturers for prioritizing merit over ethnicity; commended non-academic staff for keeping the institution running and praised students for their pursuit of excellence.
“Today is not merely about me,” she declared. “It is about the power of documentation, reflection, and the preservation of institutional memory. A book is a treasure chest of ideas, a time capsule that ensures the lessons of today guide the leaders of tomorrow.”
As she prepares to formally bow, Professor Chiemeke spoke with a sense of accomplishment: “Five years ago, we were given a mandate to build a university from the ground up. We faced immense challenges common to all start-ups, but we were driven by a singular belief—that a public university in Agbor could stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world.”
She urged the university community to rally behind the Vice-Chancellor designate, Professor Eric Eboh, expressing confidence that he would take the institution to greater heights.
Chairman of the occasion, Professor Mrs. Veronica Ola Owolabi, Provost of the College of Fellows, Nigeria Computer Society, described Chiemeke’s journey from programmer to pioneer Vice-Chancellor as “marvelous,” affirming that she built UNIDEL from scratch.
While congratulating her for a job well done, Owolabi noted pointedly: “True leaders don’t retire; they upgrade to a new level of positive responsibility,” adding that success is crowned by having a worthy successor.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Professor Mrs. Adenike Oyinlola Osofisan, Africa’s first female computer scientist, who spoke on “Software, Data Mining, Data Policy and Legal Implications: The Perspective of a Computer Scientist.” She defined computer scientists as architects of the digital economy and hailed Professor Chiemeke as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished experts in computing, with far-reaching contributions to software engineering, intelligent systems, and technology-driven education.
“Well-informed computer scientists like Professor Stella Chiemeke,” she said, “champion solutions that are technically sound, ethically grounded, and legally compliant, ensuring innovation thrives alongside the protection of individual rights.”
Two books — Unpacking The Pack in the University System_ and __The Odyssey of Stella Chinye Chiemeke_ were reviewed at the event, by Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, the Vice-Chancellor designate, Southern Delta University, Ozoro, underscoring the critical importance of institutional memory while celebrating the honoree’s extraordinary achievements. Both works were recommended to academia and the wider public.
The celebrations, however, began a day earlier. On April 22, 2026, the Department of Theatre Arts staged a command performance of a play written by the Dean, Faculty of Arts, Dr. Augustine Eziechine titled The Lion Queen at the UNIDEL Arts Theatre, in honor of Professor Chiemeke’s successful tenure.
The event was hosted by Dr. CY. Iyamah, Acting Head of Department, while the play, which was directed by Dr. Charles Agha, featured both staff and student performers
The highlight was the renaming of the Department’s Media Studio and Costume Room after Prof. Stella Chiemeke.
That same day, the Okugbe Club, Agbor, a socio-cultural group comprising Urhobo staff of the University, paid a farewell visit to the Vice-Chancellor.
The club’s President, Dr. Blessing Ugeh, praised Prof. Chiemeke for her impactful leadership and maintenance of harmonious relations. He further commended her administration for its inclusiveness and lasting impact, noting that members “really enjoyed” her tenure.
An emotional Professor Chiemeke expressed heartfelt appreciation for their support, offering prayers for their continued success.
The visit culminated in the presentation of an award of excellence in recognition of her “visionary leadership and distinguished service.”
Not to be outdone, members of the Students’ Union Government, (SUG) also stormed the office of the Vice-Chancellor with a portrait in her honor, applauding her “exemplary leadership” and positive impact on students’ life.
In response, she thanked the students for sustaining a culture of peace and collaboration on campus.
The events attracted top University officials, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patrick Ijeh; Registrar, Barrister Richmond Omagbemi; Bursar, Dr. Sunny Ikeogwu; University Librarian, Dr. Mrs. Vera Okonoko; as well as leading figures from academia and the business community across Delta State and beyond.
As the curtain drew on her tenure, one message rang clear across every speech, tribute, and performance: Professor Stella Chinye Chiemeke leaves behind not just a university, but a legacy.
