DELSU VC Eulogises Professor Akporhonor, As He Delivers 10th Valedictory Lecture

By Ese Umukoro

Vice Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba has commended the exemplary service and steadfast commitment of Professor Eyitemi Emmanuel Akporhonor.

Professor Asagba gave the commendation during the 10th in the series of valedictory lectures held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at the 750 Lecture Theatre A, Site III, DELSU, Abraka.

He also recalled Professor Akporhonor’s days as a strong unionist whose struggles in DELSU helped to make the university what it is today.

He further said that if not for the struggles of ASUU, Nigerian universities would not have developed the way they are now.

In conclusion, Professor Asagba wished Professor Akporhonor a pleasant retirement.

Earlier in his valedictory lecture titled: “Planting Seeds in Uncertain Soil: My Perspective on DELSU’s Journey from Dream to Reality”, Professor Eyitemi Emmanuel Akporhonor led the gathering on a reflective and emotionally charged journey through his life and career in academia.

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The Professor of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry recalled how his career as a lecturer began at the defunct Bendel State University (BENSU). From there his desire to contribute to his home state made him join the services of Delta State University (DELSU) at its creation in 1992. In DELSU, he rose through the ranks and became a professor who was also passionate about and active in Academic Staff Union of Universities’s (ASUU) unionism from where he later became the branch chairman.

Professor Akporhonor lamented that the university system of the 1970s and 1980s was vastly different from what obtains today.

He decried that while the Nigerian universities of that era were comparable to universities anywhere else in the world, much is left to write home about universities in recent times.

He however commended ASUU for its struggles which have brought Nigerian universities to its current improved standard.

Professor Akporhonor, while concluding his lecture, applauded DELSU for the strides gained which is being adjudged the best state university in Nigeria according to the latest ranking by Times Higher Education.

Other highlights of the event were the donation of seventy sets of bedsheets to the University Health Centre by the valedictory lecturer and his family, a special musical rendition by the Music Department and photo sessions of the valedictory lecturer with principal officers of the university as well as with family and friends.

Dignitaries present at the valedictory lecture included the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Prof Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Edmund Aviedo Atakpo, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Hilary Owamah, Provost of Oleh Campus, Professor Elo Ibagere, Registrar of the University, Mrs Rufina Ufuoma Ufiofio, the University Bursar, Mrs Otimeyin Ekakitie-Omajuwa represented by Mr Joel Ojigbo-Ijatomi,, the University Librarian, Dr Josephine Eruterio Onohwakpor, Provosts, Deans, Directors, staff and students of the university.

Also in attendance were members of the Akporhonor family including wife of the Valedictory Lecturer, Professor (Mrs) Amina Akporhonor, and friends of the valedictory lecturer.