…..As Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba Matriculates 651 Students in her Maiden epoch-making generations.
By Victor Bieni, Asaba
The Vice Chancellor, Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba Professor Ben. E. Akpoyomare Oghojafor has expressed his deepest appreciation to the Chancellor of the University, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the giant strides he has made in advancing the growth and development of Delta State, most importantly his unrelenting commitment towards broadening Deltans’ access to quality University Education.
Professor Ben. E. A. Oghojafor, a World renowned Professor of Strategic & Entrepreneurial Development made this remark during the Maiden Matriculation Ceremony of the epoch-making generations of the Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba held recently at the University’s 1000-Seater Auditorium on Thursday, July 2, 2022 as the Vice Chancellor, DOU enjoined students to maximize every opportunity, be law-abiding and avoid social vices inimical to their studies.
Recall that, Dennis Osadeday University, Asaba was established in February 2021 by the Law of Delta State, in a bid to expand the educational landscape for Deltans in particular and Nigerians in general. The creation of the University was necessitated by the determination of the Okowa-Ied administration to drastically reduce the gloom and frustration experienced by our young Deltans, who have been denied admission into public universities as a result of inadequate spaces.
Prof Ben Oghojafor while Commending the University’s Chancellor, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to had established the University, his constant support to the higher institution, and the contributions of the Founding-fathers; Prof. Emeritus E.A.C. Nwanze, Ambassador Godson Echegile, Late Professors Emeritus Sam Ukala and Abednego Ekoko. He specifically appreciated the efforts of the current Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Patrick A. Mouboghare, DOU Board of Governing Council led by the Chairman, Prof Robert .B. Ikomi.
The DOU VC also commended commitments the entire Management of the great University as pioneer members; the Registrar, G.I. Obadan, the Bursar, the University Librarian, HODs, Members of Senate, Dean’s; the Academic and Non-Academic Staff, All parents and guardians and the media for participants at the epoch-making generations maiden Matriculation Ceremony, event of the University. Prof Ben .E. A. Oghojafor then reiterated commitment to making the University a hub of creativity and innovation by providing the right leadership, policies and programs, promoting global partnership on Education using PPP model in the higher institution, while he Congratulated all Matriculating students whom he said were the
pioneer students.
He urged the students on the need to maintain decorum, discipline, good behavior and ethical standards in pursuit of global academic excellence so as to promote knowledge, culture of learning, growth and development or risk being expelled. He enjoined them to project the image of the University and leverage on the motto: “Empowering Future Generations”, the students should avoid unwholesome and anti-social groups, indecent dressing and membership of cult groups and ensure that they attend lectures regularly to upheld the vision, mission and core values of the institution.
The speech as presented by DOU VC, Prof Ben .E. A. Oghojafor, World distinguished Professor of Strategic & Entrepreneurial Management during the University’s epoch-making generations maiden Matriculation Ceremony reads in parts: “May I also use this medium to express our deepest appreciation to our Vice Chancellor, His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa for the giant strides he has made in advancing the growth and development of our dear state, and more importantly for his unrelenting commitment to broadening Deltans’ access to quality University education. As one of the newly-established Universities, we are extremely grateful for the support and goodwill that we have continued to enjoy”.
“The University’s developmental efforts are in three phases, with Phase 1 designed to run five faculties, namely Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, Computing, Management & Social Sciences and Science. However, giving the critical role that General Studies Courses can play as prescribed in the Benchmark of Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) by the National Universities Commission (NUC), it became expedient for us to include the Faculty of Arts as an integral part of Phase 1, thereby bringing the total number of pioneering faculties to six. We are, indeed, very optimistic that our great university will continue to grow in leaps and bounds, as evidenced by this eminent gathering of witnesses today”.
“Our university is today matriculating 651 students admitted through UTME. I applaud our matriculating students for being found appropriate and qualified for admission at this time. You should count yourselves lucky among the large numbers of students seeking admission yearly into various institutions of higher learning in Nigeria. I dare say, with a great sense of responsibility that you are indeed the epoch-making generations of staff and students of this University, to the glory of God”.
“We are ‘also pleased to inform you that we are in discussions with the business sectors to encourage Private- Public Partnerships. This initiative is critical to the realisation of our vision of developing human resource capacities, with a view to creating jobs, entrepreneurial skills and other opportunities for our graduating students. Ladies and Gentlemen, the core objective of today’s Matriculation Ceremony, is to familiarise you with the existential principles, values and culture of our institution. These indispensable values would continue to project the spitting image of this institution as a centre for learning and development, in addition to enhancing the character building of our students, as aptly enunciated in the University’s Motto: Empowering Future Generations”.