THE Vice Chancellor, Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Andy Egwunyenga, says that the university has successfully navigated numerous challenges impeding its development, following the dynamic leadership of key figures over the years.
Prof. Egwunyenga made the remark in Abraka at the 6th Valedictory Lecture presented by the distinguished professor of Human Anatomy, Prof. Patrick Igbigbi, in celebration of his 70th birthday and official retirement from the university.
He praised Prof. Igbigbi’s impactful valedictory lecture, describing it as a candid chronicle of the university don’s experiences and a wake-up call for all members of the university community to remain steadfast in their individual and collective commitments to the university’s continuous development The VC, who emphasized that the university’s growth relies heavily on the contributions of its people, both individually and collectively, paid glowing tribute to Prof. Igbigbi, highlighting his instrumental role in the successes achieved under the current administration as Chairman of the University Advisory Council.
He congratulated Prof. Igbigbi on his 70th birthday and retirement, noting that while professors may officially retire, the knowledge they had generated through research and shared through lectures will continue to benefit the university community and humanity at large. In the valedictory lecture titled: ‘Reluctant, Academic: I Came, I Saw, Did I Conquer?’, the renowned professor revealed that he began his academic journey 38 years ago as a Lecturer (Grade 2) at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He recounted his tenure at Mbarara University of Science at Technology, Uganda and the University of Malawi before joining Delta State University in 2005. While highlighting his contributions to the university system, Prof Igbigbi expressed his gratitude to God for giving him the opportunity to be the first substantive Provost of the College of Medicine, Delta State University, Abraka; the first Professor of Dermatoglyphics in Nigeria; former Provost of the defunct Asaba Campus, Delta State University, Abraka and chairman/member of National Universities Commission
