BY IFEANYI UWAGWU
IN the realm of academia, few individuals have left as indelible a mark as Professor Ogochukwu Andy Egwunyenga, the esteemed Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka. Born on April 4, 1960, to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Godwin Egwunyenga from Ogbe-Ute Quarters, Atuma-Iga, Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State, Professor Egwunyenga’s journey from a humble beginning to a leader in tertiary education is a testament to his dedication, intellectual rigour, and visionary leadership.
Early Life and Academic Foundation
Professor Egwunyenga’s early education laid the foundation for a distinguished career. He began his academic journey at Local Authority Primary School, Onicha Olona, and later St. Monica’s Primary School, Illah, between 1966 and 1972. His secondary education took him to Rimi College and Federal Government College, Kaduna, where he obtained his West African School Certificate (Division 1) in 1977 and High School Certificate in 1979.
His thirst for knowledge propelled him to the University of Lagos, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology (Second Class Upper Division) in 1982. His pursuit of advanced studies led him to the University of Jos, where he obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Applied Entomology and Parasitology, graduating with distinction in 1990. In 1997, he completed his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Zoology with a specialization in Parasitology, further cementing his expertise in the field of parasitology and entomology.
Career, Leadership Roles and Developmental Strides
Professor Egwunyenga’s illustrious career spans both polytechnic and university systems, reflecting his versatility and commitment to education. He began his professional career as a teacher at Government Secondary School, Ajingi, Kano, during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1982. This experience ignited his passion for academia, leading him to a teaching role at the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, where he served from 1983 to 1993, eventually rising to the rank of Senior Lecturer.
In 1993, he transitioned to Delta State University, Abraka, where he held various academic and administrative positions, including Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Reader, and eventually becoming a Professor in 2005. His exceptional leadership was recognized when he was appointed Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, a position he held from 2007 to 2011. As Rector, Professor Egwunyenga significantly increased the institution’s internally generated revenue, expanded infrastructure, and attracted critical funding and projects.
In 2019, Professor Egwunyenga was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, a role that has allowed him to continue his legacy of excellence. His six-point agenda—building an effective workforce, pursuing innovation through ICT, strengthening faculties, focusing on student welfare, increasing the university’s revenue base, and adopting new approaches to university administration—has yielded tremendous results. Notable projects include the beautification of Site II and Site III entrances, the construction of educational facilities like the Faculty of Pharmacy Complex, and ongoing renovations of lecture halls. Under his leadership, DELSU has flourished, becoming a hub of academic innovation and a centre for international collaboration.
The Vice-Chancellor’s achievements are far-reaching, including securing full accreditation for all 40 programs presented to the National Universities Commission (NUC) and ensuring the welfare of both students and staff. The university’s ranking has also significantly improved year on year under his tenure, as DELSU is currently ranked 23rd best in Nigeria. The rankings, published annually by Times Higher Education, placed DELSU as the third-best state-owned university in Nigeria, following Abia State University and Akwa Ibom State University.
DELSU, under Prof. Andy Egwunyenga’s leadership, became the first Nigerian university to develop a comprehensive policy document on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in university education. This achievement was recognized by Amb. Chris Maiyaki, Executive Secretary of the NUC, during a one-day international hybrid workshop titled “Towards Responsible Use of AI in DELSU for Teaching, Research, and Community Service”. The policy provides a framework for integrating AI into teaching, research, and community service, aligning with both national and state ICT strategies.
Professor Egwunyenga’s administration has demonstrated a firm commitment to nation-building, with the Vice-Chancellor investing in human capital development that has positively impacted over 200,000 youths trained in various skills.
Reflecting on his tenure since assuming office in December 2019, Professor Egwunyenga remains focused on the transformation of DELSU.
One of the standout initiatives under his leadership is the conversion of non-teaching staff to academic staff, addressing understaffing issues and motivating individuals to pursue academic qualifications. DELSU’s academic strength has led to a rise in university rankings, placing it among the best in Nigeria and Africa. Moreover, the university has experienced unprecedented growth, with its student population doubling from 19,000 to over 35,000 in just a few years.
In recognition of Professor Egwunyenga’s exemplary leadership, DELSU has received several awards, including the PAN African Prize for Excellence and being named one of the 10 Most Outstanding Vice-Chancellors in Nigeria. His dedication to gender balance and the establishment of numerous policies to safeguard academic integrity, such as the gender, sexual harassment, and plagiarism policies, have further enhanced DELSU’s standing.
Contributions to Research and Academia
An accomplished researcher, Professor Egwunyenga has made substantial contributions to parasitology, tropical medicine, and public health. He has supervised over 150 undergraduate projects, eight M.Sc. theses, and three Ph.D. dissertations. His research interests include malaria, intestinal helminthiasis, and urinary schistosomiasis, with several of his studies focusing on drug resistance and malaria control in the Niger Delta. His work has been published in national and international journals, showcasing his role as a thought leader in his field.
Beyond his academic contributions, Professor Egwunyenga has held various prestigious positions as an external examiner for universities such as the University of Benin, University of Jos, Ambrose Ali University, and Niger Delta University, enhancing the quality of postgraduate education across Nigeria.
Recognition and Awards
Throughout his career, Professor Egwunyenga has been recognized for his commitment to excellence in education. He has received numerous awards, including the Award of Excellence for Administration from Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, and the Golden Award for Hard Work, Transparency, and Accountability by the Nigerian Print Journalism Development Organization in 2010. His contributions to library development earned him the Most Outstanding Library Development Administrator Award from the Nigerian Library Association.
Notably, Professor Egwunyenga has been honoured with the Honorary Fellowship Award by the Nigerian Institute of Landscape Horticulturists for his contribution to landscape development and the NAPS Platinum Service Award by the National Association of Polytechnic Students for his dedication to the development of education in Nigeria.
Personal Life and Extracurricular Activities
Beyond the academic realm, Professor Egwunyenga is a family man, married with one child. He enjoys writing articles on topical issues, playing table tennis, and keeping up with sports and science events on radio and television. His involvement in community service is equally notable, with his leadership roles extending to various professional and civic organisations, including serving as Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) at the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at DELSU.
A Legacy of Vision and Leadership
As Delta Printing and Publishing Corporation (DPPC), the publishers of The Pointer titles, honours Professor Andy Egwunyenga for his remarkable contributions to education and public service, it is clear that his legacy will endure for generations to come. His visionary leadership, commitment to academic excellence, and tireless dedication to advancing tertiary education in Nigeria have solidified his place as one of the most respected figures in the nation’s academic landscape.
Professor Egwunyenga’s life is a beacon of what is possible when one combines passion, intellect, and a commitment to service. He has not only transformed institutions but has also impacted countless lives through his teaching, research, and leadership, leaving an indelible mark on the educational system of Delta State and Nigeria at large.
