Abraka, Delta State — The Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, on Thursday, 14th August 2025, held its 113th Inaugural Lecture, with the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, commending the presenter, Professor Kennedy Ejiwoke Umunadi, for what he described as a “scholarly and insightful” delivery.
Speaking at the 750 Lecture Theatre A, Site III, Abraka, Professor Asagba praised Umunadi’s mastery of the subject matter, noting that his presentation demonstrated depth, clarity, and a strong grasp of issues confronting technical education in Nigeria.
Delivering the lecture titled “The Great Disconnect Between Technical Education Graduates and the Labour Market: Challenges and Pathways”, Professor Umunadi, a Professor of Technical Education, identified a range of barriers impeding the relevance of technical education graduates in the labour market. These include inadequate competencies, poor electricity supply, negative societal perceptions, insufficient funding, shortage of qualified educators, weak assessment of industrial trainees, and lack of adequate ICT facilities.
To bridge the gap, he proposed a raft of solutions such as curriculum and training reforms, rebranding of technical education, provision of improved facilities and equipment, stronger partnerships between institutions and industries, stable electricity supply, and the adoption of the German dual education system which combines classroom learning with industry-based training.
The high point of the event was the official decoration of Professor Umunadi with the prestigious medal of inaugural lecturers of DELSU by the Vice Chancellor. The ceremony also featured a special musical rendition by the Department of Music and photo sessions with university dignitaries, family, and friends.
The lecture attracted an impressive audience of academics, administrators, and dignitaries. Among those present were the wife of the DELSU Vice Chancellor, Dame (Mrs) Elizabeth Olabimpe Asagba; Vice Chancellor of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, Professor Solomon Tamarabrakemi Ebobrah; DELSU Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Edmund Atakpo; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Hilary Owamah; Provost of Oleh Campus, Professor Elo Ibagere; Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio; Bursar, Mrs Otimeyin Ekakitie-Omajuwa; and University Librarian, Dr Josephine Eruterio Onohwakpor.
Also in attendance were Emeritus Professor Eric Arubayi, former Vice Chancellor of DELSU, with his wife Professor Diana Arubayi; Chairman of the Governing Council of Dennis Osadebey University, Asaba, Professor Robert Ikomi; Rector of Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu, Professor James Okoro; as well as family, colleagues, and friends of the inaugural lecturer, including his wife, Mrs Ogheneruona Umunadi.
