University of Delta Organizes 2025 Governing Council Retreat in Asaba

University of Delta, (UNIDEL) Agbor, started its 2025 Governing Council Retreat with a very rewarding resource programme, which took place on Tuesday December 2nd 2025, at the Nelson Mandela Gardens and Resort, Asaba, Delta State.

Declaring the retreat open, Emeritus Prof. Emmanuel A.C. Nwanze, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, in his welcome address, thanked the Vice-Chancellor, University of Delta, Prof. Stella Chiemeke and members of the Governing Council for their significant contributions to the growth and development of the citadel of learning.

Prof. Nwanze revealed that the 2025 Governing Council Retreat was conceived by the Governing Council during its last meeting in 2025, and went on to declare that: "I am so happy that we have succeeded to gather together some of the most seasoned hands we could get within the Nigerian university system today, to address us; I mean one of the best team of vastly experienced professionals."

The Chairman therefore averred thus: "My dear friends and colleagues in Council, welcome to this very important symposium meeting. I wish you all very fruitful deliberations."

In her opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Delta, Agbor, Prof. Stella Chiemeke thanked His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State and Visitor to the University, the Honourable Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerovwo Johnbull Tonukari, and the Chairman of Governing Council, Emeritus Prof. Emmanuel A.C. Nwanze for their priceless and invaluable contributions to the rapid development of the University.

Prof. Chiemeke who appreciated the

distinguished pioneer members of the Governing Council, also took time to thank the guest lecturers — Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, Dr. Chris Maiyaki and Prof. Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga for their solid support.

The Vice-Chancellor also had a word of appreciation for members of the University Management and staff. According to Prof Chiemeke: "To our Council Chairman, Emeritus Prof. Emmanuel A.C. Nwanze, and to the pioneer members of this Governing Council, I express on behalf of Management our deepest appreciation for the unquantifiable support you have provided since the inception of this administration. Your wisdom, oversight and unwavering dedication have enabled the University of Delta to register significant strides across academic programmes, infrastructure, staff welfare and student development"

Prof. Stella Chiemeke emphasized that the progress UNIDEL had recorded was a shared achievement - a proof to collaborative governance, strategic investment and the conviction that a vibrant university was central to the social and economic development of Delta State and Nigeria.

She also 

acknowledged and commended the staff of the Council Committee and Legal Matters Division for their meticulous coordination of the retreat programme. She concluded thus: "As we commence this retreat, may we use the time before us to reflect candidly on our achievements, address challenges with courage and imagination, and reaffirm our collective commitment to excellence in teaching, research and community engagement. May our discussions be frank, constructive and focused on actionable outcomes that will accelerate the University’s mission".

The first lecture of the day was delivered by the erudite Dr. Chris Maiyaki with the theme: "University Management and Council: Required Working Relationship for Advancement", while the second lecture was given by the renowned Prof. Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga with the topic: "Understanding University Governance Framework".

Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali gave a very incisive lecture titled: "Enhancing University Governance and Leadership Synergy: Roles and Responsibilities of Council Members."

The highly enriching lectures were followed by productive interactive sessions, where Governing Council members took their turns to engage the resource persons.

The vote of thanks was handled on behalf of Council by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Patricia Mbah.