AGBOR/Nigeria: The Vice Chancellor of the University of Delta, Agbor, Prof. Stella Chiemeke, has highlighted the institution’s remarkable growth in its four years of existence, emphasizing its achievements in academic development and accreditation. Speaking at the 4th Founders Day Lecture themed “Nation Building: The Search for a Nigerian That Works for All” on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, she commended the vision of the Immediate Past Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and the continued support of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.
Prof. Chiemeke noted that the university had made significant progress in the past year, utilizing internally generated revenue to fund key infrastructure projects. She revealed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had accredited 71 out of 74 assessed courses, achieving a 96% success rate, which she attributed to the dedication of the university’s academic staff and the entire UNIDEL community.
Beyond accreditation, the Vice Chancellor acknowledged contributions from individuals and organizations in supporting students through scholarships and grants. She disclosed that 319 students had benefitted from Federal Government tuition funding amounting to N59,735,000, while the university also secured funding from the French Embassy for an innovative project on sustainable plastic waste management.
Despite these achievements, Prof. Chiemeke identified critical needs, particularly in infrastructure for medical students. She called for the provision of hostels and coastal buses to enhance students’ learning conditions and support the accreditation of the university’s medical school by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
She also urged the Delta State Government to rename Agbor General Hospital, the Mother and Child Hospital, and the Diagnostic Centre, Owa-Alero, as the University of Delta Teaching Hospital. According to her, this designation is essential for the accreditation of the university’s MBBS programme, stating, “To achieve our accreditation goal, it is crucial to have a designated teaching hospital.”
Prof. Chiemeke appealed to individuals and corporate organizations to support the university, stressing that the government alone could not bear the financial burden of sustaining the institution’s growth and development.
