Dennis Osadebay University Honours Pioneer VC, Oghojafor, At Ceremonial Tee-Off, Send-Forth

By Our Reporter

The Dennis Osadebay University held a ceremonial Tee-Off and Send-Forth Cocktail Party in honour of its pioneer Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ben Akpoyomare Oghojafor, celebrating his tenure and contributions to the institution’s growth.

The event, which took place at the Ibori Golf and Country Club, drew top government officials, members of the university’s Governing Council, academia, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders.

Welcoming guests, Captain of the club, Alex Joe, described the occasion as a tribute to “an illustrious administrator, a visionary academic, and a dedicated club member,” noting that Oghojafor’s leadership left an indelible mark on the academic and infrastructural landscape of the university.

He highlighted key achievements under the outgoing Vice Chancellor, including infrastructural expansion, improved academic standards, full accreditation of programmes, prudent management of resources, and the maintenance of a stable academic calendar, adding that his leadership fostered harmony within the institution.

Earlier in her opening remarks, Chairman of the Cocktail Party and Deputy Bursar, DOU, Lucy Okena FCA, described Oghojafor as “a titan of academia, a visionary leader, and a dedicated servant” who steered the university with wisdom, integrity, and passion.

She recalled that at the inception of his tenure, the university faced significant challenges but noted that through focused leadership and collective effort, those challenges were transformed into opportunities for growth.

According to her, the university witnessed “unparalleled development,” ranging from infrastructural expansion and growth in academic programmes to increased student population, job creation within host communities, revitalisation of research, and sustained industrial harmony.

“You have led by example, setting high standards for academic excellence and administrative efficiency. Your footprints are indelibly etched in the history of the university,” she said.

Okene also acknowledged the Deouty Governor of the state, Dr. Monday Oyeme (Special Guest of Honour), who was expected at the event but was unavoidably absent at the time due to official engagements, while expressing appreciation to sponsors, organisers, and guests for honouring the outgoing Vice Chancellor.

She further extended goodwill to the incoming Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Agalino, assuring him of continued support toward advancing the institution.

Several dignitaries at the event spoke highly of the renowned academia and and administrator.

In his good will message, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, commended Oghojafor for laying a solid foundation for the university and positioning it for sustainable growth.

Also the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, praised the outgoing Vice Chancellor’s resilience and commitment, noting that his leadership brought stability and credibility to the institution.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, described Oghojafor as a seasoned academic who upheld quality standards and strengthened the university’s academic framework.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Johnson Erijo, lauded his transparent and dedicated service, while the Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Samuel Asagba, commended his contributions to university administration and the broader academic community.

In his remarks, Prof. Ben Oghojafor expressed gratitude to the Delta State Government and the university community for the opportunity to serve, acknowledging the challenges of pioneering a new institution and attributing the successes recorded to collective effort and shared vision.

The ceremony featured tributes, gift presentations, goodwill messages, and a cocktail reception, as guests celebrated what was widely regarded as a legacy of purposeful leadership and institutional development.

Oghojafor, appointed in 2021, is credited with laying a firm foundation for the continued growth of Dennis Osadebay University.