Western Delta University Gets New VC

By Nelson Agbajor

Prof. Augustine Ovuoronye Ikelebe is now the new Vice Chancellor of Western Delta University (WDU), Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Augustine Ikelebe, a Professor of Political Science from the University of Benin, UNIBEN, took over from Prof. Mrs. O.C. Okobiah, a Professor of Guidiance and Counselling and the First Female Vice Chancellor of the Western Delta University after serving a five year tenure.

However, the Pro- Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Emeritus Prof. Andrew Onokerhoraye while thanking staff of WDU for their support to the growth of the University over the years, also appealed that they extend same hand of fellowship to the new VC towards a better administrative convenience.

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On his part, the new Vice Chancellor, Prof. Augustine Ikelebe expressed appreciation to the Proprietor of the University and a Former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, the Pro- Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Emeritus Prof. Andrew Onokerhoraye for the opportunity to serve.

Prof. Augustine Ikelebe in his inaugural speech, said that he has come to lead a process that would transform WDU in to a centre of academic and research excellence; a centre of quality academic programmes; a research and intellectually active University; a viable, quality and visible institution, an institution of progressive growth in annual enrollment and total student population.

Prof. Ikelebe while lauding the pragmatic effort of his predicessor, Prof.O.C Okobiah for the role she played, also appreciated the wonderful, resilient, patient, hardworking and committed academics staff of WDU even as he call for a synergy and a collaborating effort of all in order to move the University to a greater heights.

He maintaied that his administration will run an open door policy, all inclusive government aimed at transforming WDU in to a self sustaining University and a university that would be in the public limelight for quality, excellence, credibility, integrity and good image and reputation.

Professor Augustime Ovuoronye Ikelegbe holds a First Class Bachelor Degree in Political Science & Public Administration from the Faculty of Social Sciences(1980), UNIBEN.

He is a member of the pioneer graduating class of the department and currently a Professor in the Department.

Until his appointment as Vice Chancellor of the Western Delta University, Oghara, he was the Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Benin.

He has had visiting fellowships at the University of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom and African Studies Centre, Netherlands.

Professor Ikelegbe has consulted widely for local and internal agencies, including AFSTRAG/Ford foundation; French Institute for Research in Africa; PEFS/Ford Foundation; CODESRIA/African Studies Center, Leiden (Netherlands); Institute of Security Studies, South Africa; United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa/Friedrich Ebert Stiftung; International Development Research Centre/Centre for Population and Environmental Development; Oxfam Novib (Netherlands); CASS/International Alert; NSRP/British Council; and Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Conflict and Violence, University of Bielefied, Germany.

However, it is worthy of note that Prof. Augustine Ikelebe is expected to serve for a five year tenure as the Vice you the Western Delta University, Oghara.

Present at the event include: the Pro- Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council WDU, Emeritus Prof. Andrew Onokerhoraye, the Register, Mr. Adeyinka Adekalu, the Bursar, Mr. Paul Paul Ebereghwa, Mr. Moses Osamede, a One-Time Acting VCof WDU, Prof. Godwin Asuen, among other staff of the University.