Prof. Andy Egwunyenga, the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka says he will move on to another life beyond the higher education system.
The distinguished Professor of Parasitology and a Public Health Consultant declared this recently at the 8th Valedictory Lecture of the state-owned university.
The lecture titled: “Scholactivism and Leadership: My Odyssey”.
was organised as part of the process to commemorate the vice chancellor’s retirement from the services of the University after 41 years of meritorious service.
In his presentation,
Egwunyenga admitted that he had ran a remarkable course as vice chancellor of the institution.
“Although I have about five years before attaining the statutory retirement age of 70 years, it is my firm conviction that I have run my course and must move on to another life beyond the higher education system,” he said.
Egwunyenga’s integrity and commitment to priotise the well-being of the staff, students and the overall upgrade of the infrastructure and academic standards of the institution was highly celebrated by the entire university community.
The outgoing vice chancellor said that he saw his calling through the lens of scholactivism.
He expressed the believe that his teaching and research had gained greater significance when he engaged with his community.
Egwunyenga affectionately called the People’s Vice Chancellor, noted that the teaching and research had also helped to transform the principles he had advocated into realities.
He recalls that this perspective has been the driven force to his active participation in trade unions within the community of tertiary institutions he had served as well as his involvement in civil organizations and politics.
The outgoing also that he had aspired to become a musician adding that the aspiration was interrupted when he moved to Kaduna.
“My passion for music was supplanted by the pursuit of knowledge and teaching, ultimately landing me first lecturing job at the Department of Science Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi in 1983.
“My experience at the polytechnic transformed into impressive story that highlights the early challenges I encountered when I joined DELSU.
“Where I faced issues relating to development and progress of a newly formed University,” he said.
The Professor of Parasitology and Public Health Consultant averred that the narrative of his journey took a daunting turn as union matters, noting that its consequences were brought to the front burner.
According to him, he faced significant opposition from individuals with differing opinions regarding his involvement in union activities.
Egwunyenga said that despite his bold engagement in union activities, he was able to enjoy the distinction of being the first Deltan to be appointed as both Provost and Vice Chancellor.
The erudite scholar said that he served as Provost at the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, from 2007 to 2011 and as Vice Chancellor at DELSU from 2019 till date.
On her part, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Rosemary Okoh said that Egwunyenga had chosen to embrace the role of elders, leaving behind his big shoes for her to wear.
Okoh, vowed to perform her responsibilities with due diligent and dedication.
“A day of victory speech is filled with tranquility and strong feelings.
“Experiencing the remarkable achievements of Prof. Egwunyenga makes it a sad moment to start learning how to bid farewell to an extremely good person,” she said.
Also, Prof. Onajite Ojaruega, the University Orator, while reciting Egwunyenga’s academic career and meaningful contributions, emphasized that the outgoing vice chancellor applied management transformative principles that comprehends the essence of diverse individuals and promote a culture of inclusivity.
Highlights of the event was the unveiling of the book “Coming Full Circle in the Ivory Tower,” a Vice Chancellor’s Story written by a group of esteemed university academics.
In attendance were: Prof. Tonukari Johnbull, Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education;
Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, immediate past Chairman of DELSU Governing Council; Gen. Alexander Ogomudia (rtd), current Chairman, DELSU Governing Council; Prof. Patrick Muoboghare, former Commissioner for Higher Education in Delta State; Prof. Ovie Igun.
Others were: All the Vice Chancellors and Rectors from State and Federal Universities and Polytechnics in Delta State
including traditional rulers and captains of industry.