He pledged to replicate the “magic” he achieved in previous leadership roles, particularly at the Faculty of Arts and Postgraduate School of Delta State University.
By Ovasa Ogaga,
The new Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, on Monday assumed office with a bold pledge to transform the institution into a “model, pacesetting 21st-century university,” signalling a new phase in the school’s development.
Speaking shortly after receiving handover notes from the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Jacob Oboreh, Awhefeada said his administration would build on existing foundations to position the university for global relevance. “What I am promising humanity today is that… we are going to build a model, a pacesetting 21st century University. And the world will know that there is a university in this country, Nigeria,” he declared.
The Vice-Chancellor credited the creation of the institution to the foresight of former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, noting that despite initial criticisms over the proliferation of state universities, the decision has proven strategic. “When they were founded in 2021, there were misgivings, but Dr. Okowa, as a governor, saw tomorrow, and he knew Delta State needed more than one State university,” he said.
He also commended the incumbent Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for converting the former Delta State University of Science and Technology into a full-fledged conventional university, a move he described as pivotal. According to him, “If not for that singular action… ‘Prof. Sunny Awhefeada would not have been qualified to be the Vice-Chancellor of SDU, because the former Selta University of Science and Technology has no place for the Humanities.”
Awhefeada, a professor of the Humanities, said the transition broadened the academic scope of the institution, enabling a more holistic educational framework. He pledged to replicate the “magic” he achieved in previous leadership roles, particularly at the Faculty of Arts and Postgraduate School of Delta State University.
“Take it to the bank… we did that magic… and we are going to replicate the magic at Southern Delta University, Ozoro,” he said, outlining his vision anchored on innovation, institutional alignment, and academic excellence.
The Vice-Chancellor further praised his predecessor, describing him as an “empire builder,” and assured stakeholders of continuity in governance and policy direction.
Earlier, Oboreh said the formal handover was necessary to ensure stability and continuity in the administration of the university. “My tenure ends today… the imperative of the handover notes is to ensure seamless administration… and that there will be no vacuum,” he stated.
The event drew key figures from academia and the political class, including the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), DELSU, Prof. Hilary Owamah; and Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, among others.
Also in attendance were the Rector of Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Prof. James Okoro; the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Chief Jaro Egbo; and members of the academic community, traditional institutions, and student body.
Awhefeada’s assumption of office marks a significant leadership transition for the university, with expectations high that his administration will consolidate existing gains while steering the institution toward national and global prominence.
