DELSU Mourns, As Late Professor Albert Ukaro Ofuoku Is Laid To Rest

By Ese Umukoro

The Delta State University (DELSU) community was thrown into mourning as a Professor of Agricultural Extension, Late Professor Albert Ukaro Ofuoku was laid to rest.

The ceremony which took place on Saturday, 29th March, 2025 began with a funeral oration held at ATSCAN Hall, Site 2 of the university.

Tributes were paid to the late professor and treasurer of ASUU, DELSU Chapter.

Leading the oration, the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba said he was quite shocked when he received the news of the demise of the erudite professor.

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The Vice Chancellor further noted that late Professor Albert Ofuoku was known for his humility, hardwork and dedication to duty.

He thereafter led the university to observe a minute’s silence in honour of the late Professor of Agricultural Extension.

Also speaking during his oration in honour of the departed comrade, Chairman of ASUU-DELSU, Comrade (Associate Professor) Paul Opone recalled the late Professor Ufuoku as a very jolly good fellow who used his sonorous voice to entertain comrades during informal gatherings.

Comrade Opone extolled the unwavering commitment of the late Professor Albert Ofuoku which earned him the position of Treasurer of the branch union.

The ASUU-DELSU Chairman prayed for the repose of the soul of Comrade (Professor) Albert Ofuoku after leading the gathering in singing the union’s solidarity song for the departed comrade.

The Dean of Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Ogisi Odicta, in her oration eulogized the departed professor as a reliable colleague who was there when needed.

Head of Agricultural Extension Department, Professor Bishop Ovwigho during his oration lamented the death of Professor Albert Ukaro Ofuoku who was an asset to the department.

He took solace in the fact that Professor Ofuoku served humanity well during his lifetime.

In addition to members of the University community and family members, dignitaries present at the Commendation Service in honour of the departed colleague included the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Prof Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, Provost of Oleh Campus of DELSU, Prof Elo Ibagere, Immediate Past Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) of DELSU, Prof Ochuko Anomohanran, the University Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio; the University Librarian, Dr (Mrs) Josephine Onohwakpor; the incoming Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Edmund Atakpor; Provost of College of Health Sciences, Professor Emmanuel Odokuma; National President of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Comrade (Professor) Emmanuel Osodeke, who led other national and zonal executives of the Union to the ceremony.

At the funeral ceremony which held at Aganbi Primary School, Eku, the presiding clergy, Dr Eboh Akpotor emphasised the need to be conscious of death as it is an inevitable end for everyone.

He reminded all that someday each person shall pass on.

The remains of late Professor Albert Ofuoku was later interred in his compound and reception event followed.

Late Professor Albert Ofuoku joined the services of Delta State University in 2004 as Assistant Lecturer and rose to the rank of Professor in 2023.

Also present at the funeral ceremony at Eku include: Immediate past Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Andy Egwunyenga; Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara, Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri; Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Higher Education of Delta State, Professor Nyerohwo Tonukari, Director of Intensive and Part-time Programme of DELSU, Professor Patrick Egbule; Provost of Oleh Campus of DELSU, Professor Elo Ibagere; and one time Provost of College of Health Sciences, Professor Patrick Igbigbi (Retired).