UNIDEL VC Urges Stronger Research Culture, Warns Against Academic Dependence

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delta, Stella Chiemeke, has called on lecturers and students to intensify their commitment to research, describing it as the foundation of academic excellence and societal progress.

Chiemeke made the call on April 8, 2026, during the opening session of an empirical data analysis training programme organised by the Faculty of Management Sciences at the Blue Chambers, Faculty of Law, Owa-Oyibu Campus.

She cautioned students against outsourcing their academic projects, insisting that independent research remains essential to building intellectual competence and producing credible academic outputs.

According to her, research is not optional but central to both academic advancement and national development, stressing that universities must prioritise outputs that influence policy, strengthen institutions, and address real-world challenges.

She further described the training programme as a strategic investment in improving precision, credibility, and data-driven decision-making within the institution and beyond.

In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Adeshina Oladipupo, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and principal officers for their support and funding of the programme.

The workshop coordinator, Felicia Offor, outlined the objectives of the training, which include capacity building in empirical analysis, data interpretation, sample filtering, correlation analysis, and variable measurement.

The session also featured the presentation of gifts to the Vice-Chancellor, principal officers, and faculty leadership in recognition of their support for the initiative.

Senior university officials, including the Registrar, Bursar, Librarian, and heads of departments across the faculty, attended the programme alongside students, with technical sessions commencing immediately after the opening ceremony.