DELSU Library Holds Send Forth For Immediate Past University Librarian

By Precious Adotia, Deborah Elijah, Stella Eghene

The University Library of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, on Wednesday, 26th September, 2023, held a send forth party in honour of the immediate past University Librarian, Professor Stephen O. Uwaifo.

The ceremony, which took place at the Ultra Modern Mega Library complex in Site 3 had in attendance the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Rosemary Okoh (who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga); the current University Librarian and host, Dr Mrs Josephine E. Onowakpor; Bursar, Mrs Oti Ekakitie-Omajuwa; the Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio; Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof Emmanuel I.Odokuma; Prof (Mrs) Dicta Ogisi, Dean, Faculty of Agric; the institution’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mrs NAD Aboribo; Dr Joseph Chukusa; Dr (Mrs) Violet Ikolo and Dr (Mrs) Gloria Oyovwe- Tinuoye,former Ag. University Librarian, FUPRE.

Others are Dr Mrs O. N. Ekoko, LIS Department; Mr Peter Okwushimenya; Dr Daniel Akporobore, DUL, Oleh Campus; Dr Marcus Isebe; Mrs Doris Okhuaworua; Chief Security Officer, Mr Tagar and his entourage, and others too numerous to mention.

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The Vice Chancellor, Prof Andy O. Egwunyenga, extolled the good qualities of Prof Stephen Uwaifo, stating that he performed well as University Librarian.

…with some members of Oasis Magazine crew

Speaking during the event, Dr Mrs Josephine Onowhakpor lauded the tenure of Prof Stephen Uwaifo, saying that the six years and six months he spent in office was a pleasant and enjoyable one to all the Library Staff, users and the entire University community.

According to her, he used his rich knowledge, experience and style of administration to enrich the University Library.

Prof. Stephen Uwaifo, during his remarks, thanked God, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Andy O. Egwunyenga, the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Prof Victor F. Peretomode, and the entire Library staff, for their support, prayers and encouragement during his tenure as the University Librarian.

He also used the opportunity to appreciate his amiable wife, Dr Mrs Roseline O. Uwaifo and children, for their prayers and encouragement.

During an exclusive interview with Oasis Magazine, the immediate past University Librarian, Prof Stephen O. Uwaifo highlighted some notable achievements during his tenure such as: the movement of the University Library from Site 2 to Site 3; the creation of the Library Website, leading to the Library’s global visibility, among other benefits; internet connectivity to the library since 2018; installation of solar panels and inverter in the Library; welfare of the Library staff; interlocking of the immediate surrounding of the Ultra Modern Library; creation of the interlocked walk way( a robust suggestion by the VC, Prof Andy O Egwunyenga)from the library, to enable the students and staff access the library from the other segments of site 3; renovation of site 2 library, now serving as the main library annex, etc.

He appreciated the VIce Chancellors( the immediate past and the present, under whose tenures he served as University Librarian) for creating the enabling environment/resources that took the University Library to the next level of service delivery.

Asked about the challenges he faced during his tenure, he hinted that what he considered as a major challenge was the inadequacy of funds.

Furthermore, he commended the new University Librarian, Dr. Josephine E. Onowakpor, for organizing the monumental/ groundbreaking send forth party in his honour.

He also thanked the entire Library staff for being a formidable team.

He prayed to God to give Dr Josephine Onowhakpor extra grace and wisdom to succeed and take DELSU Library to greater heights.

Meanwhile, responding to questions from Oasis Magazine, the new University Librarian, Dr Josephine Onowhakpor said her main vision is for the library to be fully automated.

Live band and Entertainment troupe were on ground to thrill the audience.
Gifts were presented to Prof Stephen O. Uwaifo by the Library staff and others.