Hard work is the hallmark of success. This saying is best ascribed to the outgoing Provost of College of Education,Agbor, now University of Delta, Agbor, Dr. J. O Ukadike.
It is on this note that the prestigious College of Education, Agbor, now UNIDEL organized a valedictory ceremony in honour of Dr. J.O Ukadike as he completes his five years tenure as Provost of the Institution, amidst jubilation and funfair.
The august occasion took place on Wednesday, June 16,2021 at College Auditorium, Old Site, Agbor, Delta State. It attracted the presence of notable personalities among whom were, Chairman of the Governing Council, COE, Agbor, Chief Emmanuel Onyekwu, Prof. E.O.S Iyamu, Traditional Rulers in Ika land, Chiefs in Ika land, UNIDEL Vice Chancellor,Prof. Mrs Stella Chiemeke, the Registrar of UNIDEL, Barr. Omagbeni, Principal Officers of the College, Directors of Programme, Deans of Schools, Heads Of Departments, Staff, Non- Teaching Staff, SUG members, Students of the Institution, Chief Dr. Emmanuel.U Tibi, Elders of Alihame Community, family members, friends, well wishers and dignitaries from all works of life.
It featured some life touching activities,such as recitation of College Anthem, National Anthem, Cultural Dance, reading of Dr. Ukadike’s citation, valedictory lecture delivered by Prof. Iyamu of UNIBEN, Benin City and lots more.
While addressing the gathering, the outgoing Provost, College of Education, Agbor, Dr. Ukadike expressed gratitude to God for seeing him throughout his term in office as Provost, saying that he is overwhelmed with joy.
“On behalf of the Chairman and members of the 12th Governing Council, I welcome you all to this valedictory ceremony. Indeed whatever has beginning would surely has an end. May I, with humility, passion and high sense of direction, doff my hat in genuflection for the Governing Council and team staff of the Institution for their supports, constructive criticisms, forthrightness, sincere partnership and burning desires for service delivery. I remain loyal to you all.
“Without mincing words, I enjoyed tremendous symbiotic relationship with you for quite some beautiful years now. It is with hesitation therefore, that I pray God Almighty not to abandon you too, when it is your turn to serve.
“I mounted the podium as the 11th Provost of this great institution on the 21st of June, 2016. From all indices as could be viewed from the dashboard, the last substantive. At the time of my ascension, the equations of narrative had tremendously altered, via-a-vis; drastic down-turn of students’ enrollment into NCE programme and economic nose dive as it affects the institution. Worse still was the polarized strata/blocs, either for or against. Considering all those daunting variables at play, we consulted God for direction and help, while the good people of the College rallied round for the survival of our workplace.Interestingly and to the glory of God, we survived the scary challenges and vagaries of life, courtesy, shrewd management of resources and prioritization of allocation. At the expense of time therefore, we recorded massive administrative turnaround, staff development, peace building initiative, infrastructure provision/maintenance and lots more.
“I want to sincerely thank Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, the Executive Governor of Delta State, who changed the narrative from College of Education to a full fledged University, University of Delta(UNIDEL), Agbor. We cannot forget this in a hurry.
“I also want to appreciate all traditional rulers in Ika land, the chairman, members of Governing Council, my principal officers, management staff, students, my wife, children and everyone for standing by me to make things work out for common good. I pray God to prosper them in all areas of life”, he stated.
In a separate remarks, principal officers and management staff of the institution noted that it is on record that the leadership of Ukadike witnessed giant strides and monumental achievements in the College that will not be forgotten in a hurry.
“We feel so proud to be under your leadership watch. We take pride in your enviable record,which is a milestone not to be contested in any college. Today, we are stronger and have a baptismal name, UNIDEL under your reign. Thank you very much sir in your untiring efforts in the service to humanity. We pray God to grant you good health and long life to enjoy the fruits of your labour”, they expressed.
