DELSU Holds 116th Inaugural Lecture, As VC Commends Inaugural Lecturer’s Intellectualism, Activism

By Ese Umukoro

Vice Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, has applauded the intellectualism and activism of Professor Elo Ibagere.

Professor Asagba made the commendation during the University’s 116th inaugural lecture delivered by Professor Elo Ibagere on Thursday, 4th December, 2025 at 750 Lecture Theatre A, Site III, DELSU, Abraka.

Professor Asagba recalled how Professor Ibagere would sometimes differ on issues during management meetings.

He also commended the intellectual acumen of Professor Ibagere who spoke on the nexus between theatre, communication and law in his lecture. Professor Asagba concluded by wishing the inaugural lecturer success in his future endeavours as he completes his tenure as Provost of the Oleh Campus, saying: “Professor Elo Ibagere will be leaving office next Monday, 8th December, 2025”.

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In his inaugural lecture titled: “Theatre, Communication and Law: Synergising Seemingly Strange Bedfellows for National Development,” Professor Elo Ibagere argued that though theatre, communication and law are distinct fields, this tripod has a point of convergence which is the development of humanity.

The Professor of Theatre and Media Arts further opined that while theatre promotes moral values and mirrors society, law equally promotes moral values that ensures orderliness. Communication on its part is the code and language with which theatre and law are practised.

He therefore contended that theatre could be used to fight social ills and promote social good, communication could be such that promote decency and morality but discourage ills, and law should uphold social good and punish societal bad.

Professor Ibagere concluded that if theatre, communication and law are properly synergised, they can enhance national development which is the enhancement and sustenance of the welfare of citizens.

The 116th inaugural lecture featured other highlights such as the decoration of the inaugural lecturer, Professor Elo Ibagere, with the distinguished medal of DELSU Inaugural Lecturers, 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.

A reception ceremony and book launch in honour of the lecturer followed immediately after the inaugural lecture at the Arts Theatre Dome of the University.

Dignitaries that were present at the 116th inaugural lecture included Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Prof Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, Vice Chancellor of University of Southern Delta, Professor Jacob Oboreh, wife of DELSU Vice Chancellor, Dame (Mrs) Elizabeth Olabimpe Asagba, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Edmund Aviedo Atakpo, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Hilary Owamah, Registrar of the University, Mrs Rufina 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 former Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Eric Arubayi and his wife, Professor Diana Arubayi (Retd), Chairman of Governing Council of Dennis Osadebey University, Asaba, Professor Robert Ikomi, Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara, Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, Rector of Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu, Professor James Okoro, former Commissioner for Higher Education in Delta State, Professor Patrick Muoboghare, former Provost of College of Health Sciences, Professor Patrick Igbigbi, friends and family of the inaugural lecturer among whom is the wife, Mrs Kesiena Ibagere.