DELSU Holds 113th Inaugural Lecture, as VC Commends Inaugural Lecturer’s Scholarly Delivery

The Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, has commended Professor Kennedy Ejiwoke Umunadi for the scholarly depth and excellence of his presentation at the university’s 113th inaugural lecture.

The event, held on Thursday, 14 August 2025, at the 750 Lecture Theatre A, Site III, Abraka, was described by the Vice Chancellor as a demonstration of clarity, authority, and insight on key issues in technical education.

Delivering the lecture titled “The Great Disconnect Between Technical Education Graduates and the Labour Market: Challenges and Pathways”, Professor Umunadi, a professor of technical education, highlighted barriers such as inadequate competencies, unreliable electricity supply, poor societal perception, insufficient funding, shortage of qualified educators, weak assessment of industrial training programmes, poor quality and quantity of ICT resources, and lack of rebranding of technical education.

He recommended curriculum and training reforms, provision of better facilities and equipment, stronger institutional–industry linkages, improved electricity supply, rebranding of technical education, and adoption of the German dual education system, which combines classroom teaching with industry-based learning.

Highlights of the lecture included the decoration of Professor Umunadi with the medal of inaugural lecturers of the university by the Vice Chancellor, a special musical rendition by the Department of Music, and photo sessions with principal officers, family, friends, and well-wishers.

Notable personalities at the event were the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, and his wife, Dame (Mrs) Elizabeth Olabimpe Asagba; Vice Chancellor of University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, Professor Solomon Tamarabrakemi Ebobrah; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Edmund Atakpo; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Hilary Owamah; Provost of Oleh Campus, Professor Elo Ibagere; Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio; Bursar, Mrs Otimeyin Ekakitie-Omajuwa; and Librarian, Dr Josephine Eruterio Onohwakpor. Others in attendance included provosts, deans, directors, professors, staff, and students of the university.

Also present were Emeritus Professor Eric Arubayi, former Vice Chancellor of Delsu, and his wife, Professor Diana Arubayi; Chairman of Governing Council of Dennis Osadebey University, Asaba, Professor Robert Ikomi; Rector of Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu, Professor James Okoro; as well as family members and friends of the inaugural lecturer, including his wife, Mrs Ogheneruona Umunadi.