The University of Delta, Agbor (UNIDEL), was awash with tributes, applause and emotional reflections on Thursday, April 23, 2026, as the institution honoured its outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stella Chinye Chiemeke, during a grand public lecture and unveiling of her biography and book of essays.
The colourful event, held at the university’s 1,000 Capacity Hall, attracted a distinguished gathering of academics, public officials, students, business leaders and admirers who came to celebrate a woman widely credited with laying the foundation of the young institution and steering it through its formative years.
In a heartfelt valedictory address, Prof. Chiemeke expressed gratitude to God for what she described as a remarkable five-year journey marked by challenges, resilience and fulfillment.
She paid glowing tribute to former Ifeanyi Okowa for what she called his pioneering support in her emergence as the university’s founding Vice-Chancellor.
She also commended incumbent Sheriff Oborevwori for his continued backing of the institution and commitment to integrating entrepreneurship and practical skills into the educational system.
According to her, such policies represent strategic investments in youth empowerment and future development.
Turning to the university community, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor praised lecturers for prioritising merit above ethnicity, applauded non-academic staff for sustaining the institution’s operations, and commended students for their dedication to excellence.
“Today is not merely about me,” she declared. “It is about the power of documentation, reflection, and the preservation of institutional memory.”
Reflecting on her stewardship, she noted that five years earlier, the administration was given the mandate to build a university from the ground up, adding that despite enormous start-up challenges, the vision was always to create a public university in Agbor capable of competing with the best globally.
Prof. Chiemeke urged the university community to support the Vice-Chancellor-designate, Professor Eric Eboh, expressing confidence in his capacity to take the institution to greater heights.
Chairperson of the occasion, Professor Mrs. Veronica Ola Owolabi, described Prof. Chiemeke’s journey from programmer to pioneer Vice-Chancellor as remarkable, noting that she built the university from scratch.
She added that true leaders do not retire but simply advance to new levels of responsibility.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Professor Mrs. Adenike Oyinlola Osofisan, who spoke on Software, Data Mining, Data Policy and Legal Implications: The Perspective of a Computer Scientist.
She described computer scientists as architects of the digital economy and hailed Prof. Chiemeke as one of Nigeria’s leading experts in computing, with notable contributions to software engineering, intelligent systems and technology-driven education.
Two books — Unpacking The Pack in the University System and The Odyssey of Stella Chinye Chiemeke — were reviewed by Professor Sunny Awhefeada, who emphasised the importance of institutional memory while celebrating the honouree’s achievements.
The celebrations had begun a day earlier, on April 22, when the Department of Theatre Arts staged a command performance of The Lion Queen at the UNIDEL Arts Theatre in honour of Prof. Chiemeke’s successful tenure.
The play was written by Dr. Augustine Eziechine and directed by Dr. Charles Agha, featuring performances by staff and students.
A major highlight of the event was the renaming of the department’s Media Studio and Costume Room after Prof. Chiemeke.
Also on the same day, the Okugbe Club, Agbor, a socio-cultural association of Urhobo staff members of the university, paid a farewell visit to the Vice-Chancellor.
Its President, Dr. Blessing Ugeh, praised her impactful leadership, inclusive administration and harmonious relationship with staff.
An emotional Prof. Chiemeke thanked the group for their support and offered prayers for their continued success.
The club later presented her with an Award of Excellence in recognition of what it described as visionary leadership and distinguished service.
Members of the Students’ Union Government also visited her office with a portrait in her honour, applauding her exemplary leadership and positive impact on student life.
She, in turn, thanked the students for maintaining peace and collaboration on campus.
Top university officials present at the ceremonies included Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Patrick Ijeh, Registrar Barrister Richmond Omagbemi, Bursar Dr. Sunny Ikeogwu and University Librarian Dr. Mrs. Vera Okonoko.
As the curtain falls on her tenure, one message resonated across every speech, tribute and performance: Prof. Stella Chinye Chiemeke leaves behind not just a university, but an enduring legacy.
