UNIDEL Honors Pioneer Dean Of Faculty Of Agriculture

The Management of the University of Delta, Agbor, has honoured the pioneer Dean of Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. (Mrs.) Helen Ajayi who recently completed her sabbatical leave in the Faculty.

The Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Prof. Stella Chiemeke who played host to Prof. Ajayi and some members of the Faculty, described her as a diligent and meticulous staff who dedicated her time to academic excellence and rapid growth of the Faculty.

Prof. Chiemeke remarked that the period of Prof. Ajayi's sabbatical leave provided Faculty members with sustained time to recharge, refocus and advance their scholarly work.

In another development, the Faculty of Agriculture, on Thursday, September 4th, 2025, held a special sent off for Prof. Ajayi.

In his speech, the Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Onyemaechi Ugboh said the Faculty would continue to remember her for her immense contributions towards the development of the Faculty. He said that within the period of Prof.Ajayi's served as Dean, she made the Faculty develop new research skills, collaborate effectively and publish scholarly articles.

Dr. Ugboh added that she developed strategic plans, built partnerships and enhanced Faculty development programs.

In seperate goodwill messages, Dr. Ugboh Onyemaechi, the Dean of Sciences, Dr. Collins Molua, Dr. Clifford Umeri, Dr. Tessy Akpukueze, Dr.(Mrs.) Eunice Akwuba, Mr. Alex Okoh, Mr. Obinna Eze, the Faculty Officer of the Faculty as well as students poured encomiums on Prof. Ajayi, describing her as a mentor, a mother, a motivator, an inspirer and a result oriented scholar.

They also said she was a mother who impacted both staff and students positively because of her principles of humility, simplicity, integrity and credibility.

They prayed God to grant her fruitful years ahead and especially in her academic endeavors.

Responding, Prof. Ajayi who was visibly overwhelmed thanked the staff and students for the honor accorded her. While sharing some historic moments during her sabbatical leave, she urged the new Dean, Prof. Ugboh Onyemaechi to carry every staff in the Faculty along and remain focused.

She enjoined the staff especially the teaching to continue to impact sound knowledge to the students and discipline them whenever they go wrong.

Speaking to UNIDEL Media Crew after the event, Prof. Ajayi stated that with the foundation already laid in the Faculty, she expected it to be the best among Nigerian Universities before the next five years. 

She commended the University Management for their commitment to academic excellence, and for the love and care shown to her while she was on sabbatical leave.