University of Delta Hosts First Inaugural Lecture as VC Applauds Delta State Government

The University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, held its maiden Inaugural Lecture, a landmark event that underscored the institution’s commitment to scholarship, innovation, and academic excellence.

The historic lecture attracted dignitaries from academia, government, and the private sector, reflecting the growing influence and recognition of the young university.

In her address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stella Chiemeke, expressed deep appreciation to the Delta State Government for its unwavering support and investments in the growth of the institution. She credited the government’s commitment to education as the driving force behind UNIDEL’s rapid development.

“We are grateful for the Delta State Government’s support and investment in our institution. Their commitment to education has enabled us to provide quality education to our students, and we look forward to continued collaboration,” Professor Chiemeke stated.

She also commended the House Committee on Education and the Honourable Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Tonukari Nyerhovwo, for their steadfast backing. Reflecting on the university’s progress in the last four and a half years, she highlighted achievements including the establishment of vibrant academic programmes, expansion of infrastructure, staff and student growth, successful accreditations, and meaningful contributions to scholarship and community development.

The Inaugural Lecture was delivered by Professor Emmanuel Osabohien, who spoke on the topic, “The Material World and Its Knowabilities: The Perspective of an Industrial Chemist.” He traced the journey from the Industrial Revolution to contemporary times, examining technology transfer, indigenous innovation, and the pathways for Nigeria’s technological advancement.

With practical illustrations, Professor Osabohien demonstrated innovations such as refining local limestone and poultry eggshells for paint-grade calcium carbonate, production of natural and synthetic dyestuffs, paints from local raw materials, rubber products, wines from local fruits, and application of adsorbents. He urged the government to increase funding for materials research in higher institutions to foster inventions and innovations capable of driving industrialization and reducing unemployment. He also encouraged university administrators to establish well-equipped research centres in sciences and engineering to boost material production, characterization, and application.

The inaugural lecture series is set to become a regular feature of UNIDEL’s academic calendar, offering a platform for distinguished scholars to share insights and advance intellectual discourse within and beyond the university community.