UNIDEL Organizes 2025 Governing Council Retreat

On Tuesday, 2nd December 2025, the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, commenced its 2025 Governing Council Retreat at the Nelson Mandela Gardens and Resort, Asaba, Delta State, featuring a highly engaging and resourceful programme.

Declaring the retreat open, Emeritus Prof. Emmanuel A.C. Nwanze, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, expressed gratitude to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Stella Chiemeke and council members for their contributions to the university’s growth and development. He highlighted that the retreat was conceived during the last council meeting and welcomed some of the most seasoned professionals within the Nigerian university system to guide deliberations.

In her opening remarks, Prof. Stella Chiemeke thanked Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, the Honourable Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerovwo Johnbull Tonukari, and the Chairman of the Governing Council for their support in advancing UNIDEL’s mission. She also commended the pioneer members of the council, the guest lecturers—Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, Dr. Chris Maiyaki, and Prof. Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga—as well as university management and staff for their roles in facilitating the retreat.

Prof. Chiemeke emphasized that the university’s progress was a shared achievement, reflecting collaborative governance, strategic investment, and the commitment to academic excellence, while acknowledging the meticulous coordination by the Council Committee and Legal Matters Division. She urged participants to reflect on achievements, address challenges with creativity, and ensure actionable outcomes to accelerate UNIDEL’s mission in teaching, research, and community engagement.

The retreat featured three keynote lectures:

• Dr. Chris Maiyaki: "University Management and Council: Required Working Relationship for Advancement"
• Prof. Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga: "Understanding University Governance Framework"
• Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali: "Enhancing University Governance and Leadership Synergy: Roles and Responsibilities of Council Members"

The lectures were followed by interactive sessions, allowing council members to engage directly with the resource persons.

The retreat concluded with a vote of thanks delivered on behalf of the Council by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Patricia Mbah, marking a successful and highly productive engagement focused on strengthening governance and advancing the University of Delta’s strategic objectives.