Jike, A Principled, Courageous Scholar Who Championed The Cause Of The Oppressed –DELSU VC

By Ese Umukoro

The Vice Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, has paid glowing tribute to Professor Victor Teddy Jike. Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba made the commendation during the 9th valedictory lecture of the university in honour of his retirement after more than two decades of dedicated service to DELSU.

Professor Asagba described the valedictory lecturer, Professor V. T. Jike, as a principled and courageous scholar who often went to great lengths to champion the cause of the oppressed.

He noted that Professor Jike could be both ally and critic, depending on the issue at hand, emphasizing that his actions were always guided by a strong sense of principle throughout his academic journey at DELSU.

The Vice Chancellor concluded by describing Professor Jike as a multifaceted personality, likening him to the proverbial elephant perceived differently from various angles.

He noted that Professor Jike is a man of many parts, whose complexity and depth have left a lasting impression on all who have encountered him.

The valedictory lecturer, Professor Victor Teddy Jike, a distinguished Professor of Industrial and Development Sociology, reflected on the complex battles he has had to contend with, particularly those encountered in the course of his academic career.

The valedictory lecturer concluded that through all the battles he faced, he emerged victorious, attributing his triumphs to his unwavering hope and trust in God.

Highlights of the valedictory lecture were the unveiling of his autobiography titled “My Odyssey of Complex Battles” in honour of Professor Victor Tedd Jike, a special cocktail reception in his honour among others.

Professor Victor Teddy Jike was employed in 2001 as Lecturer I in the Department of Sociology and Psychology in DELSU.

Dignitaries that were present at the valedictory lecture included the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Prof Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Rose Okoh, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Hilary Owamah, Provost of Oleh Campus, Professor Elo Ibagere, the University Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio, the University Bursar, Mrs Otimeyin Ekakitie-Omajuwa, the University Librarian, Dr Josephine Eruterio Onohwakpor, Provosts, Deans, Directors, staff and students of the university.

Also in attendance were His Royal Majesty, Majoroh, Ojeta II, the Ovie of Oruarivie Kingdon, Abraka and the Orodje of Okpe kingdom represented by the kingdom’s Prime Minister, Chief Michael Affe, a former Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Eric Arubayi and his wife, Professor Diana Arubayi (Retd), friends and family of the valedictory lecturer.