By Enitan Johngold
ASABA/Nigeria: The Asaba Chapter of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) has announced that the pioneer and immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, Professor Stella Chinye Chiemeke, will deliver its 2026 Annual Public Service Lecture on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Asaba.
The lecture, scheduled to begin at 12 noon at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, will also mark the 70th birthday celebration of legal practitioner and former Chairman of the UIAA Asaba Chapter, Barrister O. P. Origho.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Publicity Secretary of the chapter, Comrade Abel Johngold Orheruata, said the annual lecture remains one of the association’s flagship programmes aimed at promoting informed public discourse on issues of national development and governance.
He explained that this year’s lecture, themed “Reimagining Nigeria from the Grassroots: Culture, Leadership, and the Path to National Renewal,” will be delivered by Professor Chiemeke, whose academic and leadership credentials made her a fitting choice for the assignment.
According to Orheruata, Professor Chiemeke holds the distinction of being Delta State’s first Professor of Computer Science and the first female Professor of Computer Science at the University of Benin. He added that her record of service in higher education, including her tenure as Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, and later as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delta, Agbor, reflects her commitment to academic excellence and institutional development.
He expressed confidence that the keynote address would stimulate meaningful conversations and provide practical perspectives on Nigeria’s development challenges.
“Her remarkable accomplishments in academia, public administration and educational leadership make her eminently qualified to deliver this year’s lecture. We are confident that her wealth of experience and intellectual depth will provoke meaningful conversations and offer practical insights into the critical issues confronting our nation,” Orheruata said.
He noted that beyond intellectual engagement, the annual lecture also serves to strengthen fellowship among alumni of the University of Ibadan while promoting the ideals and legacy of Nigeria’s premier university.
Orheruata further observed that alumni associations have increasingly become important partners in institutional advancement, adding that the UIAA remains committed to supporting the growth of its alma mater while contributing to national development through constructive engagement.
The Delta State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, will chair the event, while the Obi of Issele-Uku, His Royal Majesty Obi (Engr.) Nduka Ezeagwuna, an alumnus of the University of Ibadan, will serve as the Royal Father of the Day.
Also expected at the event as the Spiritual Father of the Day is Venerable Professor Job Orienru Akpodiete, a cleric of the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Asaba, and an alumnus of the University of Ibadan.
The association said the lecture is expected to attract the Worldwide President of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Dr. Terrumun Hembaor Gajir, members of the Worldwide Executive Council, senior government officials, policymakers, traditional rulers, academics, legal practitioners, captains of industry, alumni and other stakeholders from across the country.
The UIAA Asaba Chapter expressed optimism that this year’s lecture would provide another opportunity for constructive dialogue on leadership, culture and grassroots development, while reinforcing the association’s commitment to promoting ideas that support national growth and good governance.
