DELSU Holds 113th Inaugural Lecture, As VC Commends Inaugural Lecturer’s Scholarly Delivery Of Lecture

By Ese Umukoro

Vice Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, has lauded Professor Kennedy Ejiwoke Umunadi, presenter of the institution’s 113th Inaugural Lecture, for the scholarly depth and excellence of his delivery.

The commendation was made on Thursday, 14th August, 2025, at the 750 Lecture Theatre A, Site III, DELSU, Abraka, where the lecture was held.

Professor Asagba noted that the inaugural lecturer spoke with authority and insight, addressing critical aspects of the topic with clarity and impact.

Earlier in his lecture the inaugural lecturer, Professor Kennedy Ejiwoke Umunadi, a Professor of Technical Education while speaking on the topic ‘The Great Disconnect Between Technical Education Graduates and The Labour Market: Challenges and Pathways’, identified multiple barriers ranging from inadequate competencies and poor electricity supply to negative perceptions, insufficient funding, and a shortage of qualified educators as causes of the gap between technical education graduates and the labour market. Others are assessment of participating trainees in industrial training programme barrier, quality and quantity of ICT materials barrier, and rebrand technical education barrier.

The Inaugural Lecturer, Professor Kennedy Ejiwoke Umunadi, delivering DELSU 113th Inaugural Lecture on the topic: ‘The Great Disconnect Between Technical Education Graduates and The Labour Market: Challenges and Pathways.

Professor Umunadi proposed solutions including curriculum and training reforms, improved facilities and equipment, stronger institutional–industry linkages, better electricity supply, rebranding technical education, and adoption of the German dual education system, which combines classroom and industry-based learning.

Highlights of the 113th inaugural lecture were the decoration of the inaugural lecturer, Professor Kennedy Ejiwoke Umunadi with the prestigious medal of inaugural lecturers of the University by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, special musical rendition by the Department of Music, photo sessions of the inaugural lecturer with principal officers of the university as well as with family and friends.

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Dignitaries present at the 113th inaugural lecture included the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Prof Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, wife of DELSU Vice Chancellor, Dame (Mrs) Elizabeth Olabimpe Asagba, Vice Chancellor of University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, Professor Solomon Tamarabrakemi Ebobrah, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Edmund Atakpo, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Hilary Owamah, Provost of Oleh Campus, Professor Elo Ibagere, Registrar of the University, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio, the University Bursar, Mrs Otimeyin Ekakitie-Omajuwa, the University Librarian, Dr Josephine Eruterio Onohwakpor, Provosts, Deans, Directors, Professors, staff and students of the university.

DELSU Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, declaring open the University’s 113th Inaugural Lecture.

Also in attendance were former Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Emeritus Professor Eric Arubayi and his wife, Professor Diana Arubayi, Chairman of Governing Council of Dennis Osadebey University, Asaba, Professor Robert Ikomi, Rector of Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu, Professor James Okoro, friends and family members of the inaugural lecturer including his wife, Mrs Ogheneruona Umunadi.