By Ifeanyi Uwagwu
In a poignant address that resonated with deep societal implications, a distinguished Professor of Home Economics at Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Delta State, Professor (Mrs) Diana Oritsegbubemi Arubayi expressed serious concerns over the state of family life, highlighting the alarming shift in values as children increasingly exhibit chaotic behaviours.
Prof Arubayi made these observations while delivering her Valedictory Lecture titled: “Family Values: Redeeming the Lost Virtues for Future Generations”—a reflective discourse marking her retirement after 34 years of dedicated service and her 70th birthday celebration.
In her lecture, Prof (Mrs) Arubayi traced the evolution of the family as the foundational unit of society, noting that its form and meaning have changed significantly over generations. She pointed out that modern influences have reshaped family structures, fostering greater individualism, increased mobility, and reliance on technology. While these changes have brought about more flexible and egalitarian households, they have also led to a weakening of traditional values. This, she asserted, is evident in the concerning behaviours exhibited by children today.
“Family values,” she defined, “are the principles and behavioural standards passed down through generations, shaping individual character and contributing to the development of strong, healthy families.” She elaborated that virtues such as honesty, respect, kindness, responsibility, and humility are essential pillars that hold these values together. “These traits reflect moral integrity and are crucial for a society striving for stability and progress,” she said, urging families to cultivate these virtues intentionally.
Concluding her lecture, Prof Arubayi called for families to engage in nurturing these core values, ensuring they are not lost to the forces of modernity but preserved and passed on to future generations. She stressed that while the world changes, foundational virtues remain the bedrock of any thriving society.
The event was graced by Delta State University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga, who reinforced the importance of the subject matter. He called on parents and guardians to prioritise the instillation of strong family values in their children during their formative years.
According to Prof Egwunyenga, nurturing these values is critical to raising virtuous adults who will, in turn, uphold and propagate these principles to future generations. “Students come to the university with varied family backgrounds, each bringing distinct values that shape their university experience and beyond,” he said, underscoring the need for an environment where positive values are reinforced.
Prof Egwunyenga expressed his gratitude to Professor Arubayi for bringing this issue to light, emphasising that it is often overlooked, much to the detriment of society. He lauded Prof Arubayi’s contributions to teaching, research, mentorship, and administration, describing her as an exemplary figure whose legacy would endure. “While professors may retire, the knowledge and impact they create remain,” he said, noting that the university community would continue to benefit from her insights. In recognition of her expertise and ongoing commitment, he extended a special request for her to stay on for an additional year to complete the supervision of her remaining seven Ph.D. students.
The Valedictory Lecture was a distinguished gathering, attended by prominent figures such as the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, Prof Samuel Asagba, the Vice Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Prof Snapps Jacob Oboreh, and Emeritus Prof Eric Arubayi, former Vice Chancellor of Delta State University and husband of the valedictory lecturer. Other notable attendees included Deputy Vice Chancellors, past and present university officials, academic staff, family members, friends, and students.
