ABRAKA – Dynamism of notable leaders of DELSU have made the citadel of learning to successfully navigate numerous challenges impeding it’s development over the years.
This was disclosed by Professor Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga, Vice Chancellor, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Delta State during the 6th Valedictory Lecture presented by Prof. Patrick Sunday Igbigbi, Professor of Human Anatomy in celebration of his 70th birthday and official retirement from the university.
Prof. Egwunyenga praised Prof. Igbigbi’s impactful valedictory lecture, calling it a candid chronicle of the university don’s experiences and a wake-up call for all members of the university community to remain steadfast in their individual and collective commitments to the University’s continuous development.
The Vice Chancellor of DELSU emphasized that the University’s growth relies heavily on the contributions of its people, both individually and collectively.
He paid glowing tribute to Prof. Igbigbi, highlighting his instrumental role in the successes achieved under the current administration as Chairman of the University Advisory Council.
He congratulated Prof. Igbigbi on his 70th birthday and retirement, noting that while professors may officially retire, the knowledge they have generated through research and shared through their lectures will continue to benefit the University community and humanity at large.
In the valedictory lecture titled: ‘Reluctant, Academic: I Came, I Saw, Did I Conquer?’, Prof. Igbigbi, renowned for his academic exploits in Human Anatomy, revealed that he began his academic journey thirty-eight years ago as a Lecturer (Grade 2) at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He recounted his tenure at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda and the University of Malawi before answering to a ‘come back home’ bug and joining Delta State University in 2005.
While highlighting his contributions to the University system, Prof Igbigbi expressed his gratitude to God for giving him the opportunity to be the first substantive Provost of the College of Medicine of Delta State University, Abraka, the first Professor of Dermatoglyphics in Nigeria, former Provost of the defunct Asaba Campus of Delta State University, Abraka and Chairman/Member of National Universities Commission (NUC) Accreditation teams to many Nigerian universities.
Prof. Igbigbi also served as an external examiner to many Nigerian and African universities.
Additionally, he authored over 171 scholarly research articles in reputable journals and chapters in books.
As part of his recommendations, Prof. Igbigbi urged the University management to make inaugural and valedictory lectures compulsory for professors thereby allowing the academic community and larger society to benefit from their extensive knowledge and also help drive development.
High point was the commissioning of Professor P. S. Igbigbi Dissecting Laboratory established in the College of Medicine for use by medical students in Anatomy in honour of the retiring distinguished Professor by the Vice Chancellor after the lecture.