The new Vice-Chancellor of Dennis Osadebay University, Professor Samuel Ovuete Aghalino, has formally assumed duty following an inaugural thanksgiving service held at the Chapel of Resurrection, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), within the university campus on Monday.
At the service, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Asaba, Rt. Rev’d Kingsley Obuh, described Aghalino’s appointment as divinely ordained, urging the university community to embrace gratitude to God while offering full support to the new administration.
Represented by the Sub-Dean of the Diocese, the bishop delivered a goodwill message titled “Wisdom for Leadership and Lasting Impact,” drawn from Proverbs 2:6.
He stressed that the emergence of a Vice-Chancellor goes beyond administrative routine, describing it as a manifestation of divine purpose aimed at driving transformation and long-term impact within the institution.
According to him, effective academic leadership must be anchored on wisdom, moral integrity, and spiritual guidance, noting that universities flourish not merely through infrastructure and policies but through value-driven leadership that shapes both staff and students.
Quoting from scripture, he emphasized that wisdom, knowledge, and understanding come from God, urging the Vice-Chancellor to continually seek divine direction in the discharge of his responsibilities. He added that leadership at that level requires stewardship guiding the academic community, preserving institutional values, and nurturing future leaders.
The cleric further described the university as a place where destinies are shaped, warning that even the best policies could fail without God at the centre.
He, however, expressed confidence that the institution would thrive under Aghalino’s leadership, calling on members of the university community to avoid disunity and actions capable of undermining progress.
Offering prayers for the new Vice-Chancellor, he declared that Aghalino’s decisions would be guided by truth, justice, and fairness, while his administration would produce students who are both intellectually sound and morally upright.
In his remarks, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ben Oghojafor, expressed gratitude to God for a successful tenure, noting that despite initial challenges as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, divine support enabled him to leave the university better than he met it.
He commended the establishment of new universities in the state, which he said had expanded admission opportunities for students.
Oghojafor disclosed that within five years, the institution had secured international partnerships with foreign universities to enhance academic exchange programmes.
He also revealed that a 25-year development plan had been put in place to ensure stability and sustained growth for the university.
Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, described Prof. Aghalino as a renowned scholar whose pedigree is globally acknowledged, assuring that he would bring his wealth of experience to take the university to higher levels.
Speaking at the event, Professor Aghalino thanked God and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for the opportunity to serve, pledging to advance academic excellence and position the university for global relevance.
The former President of the Historical Society of Nigeria stated that education remains central to societal transformation, describing the university as a hub for innovation, creativity, and social responsibility.
He outlined his vision to promote quality education, technological advancement, research development, and inclusive growth.
Aghalino emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting that partnerships within and outside Nigeria would be strengthened to deliver impactful programmes for students and the wider community.
He also assured that his administration would prioritize academic standards, research output, innovation, and the overall well-being of staff and students.
Calling for unity, he encouraged open dialogue across the university community, stressing that collective effort would be key to achieving the institution’s goals of excellence and global competitiveness.
The thanksgiving service was attended by several dignitaries, including the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme; Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo; Commissioner for Technical Education, Smart Ufoh; Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Godknows Angele; former Managing Director of DESOPADEC, Dr. Bashorun Ogieh; and Chairman, Hospitals Management Board, Dr Paul Oweh.
Others include former Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Andy Egwunyenga; Prof. Emmanuel Mordi; Prof. U.B. Okpevra; Prof. Peter Emaziye; Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Okoro; Chief Eta Enahoro; Chief John Araka; Justice Uzezi Clever; Prof. Chukwuemeka Ojieh; HRM Dr. Joseph Aghagba; Prof. Chuka Emeka; Hon. Chief Itiako Ikpokpo; Mr Felix Ofou; Dr. Nelson Egware; Chief Emmanuel Edevor; Chief Emmanuel Erezih; Chief Caroline Oliseowe; the Ovie of Ellu Kingdom, HRM Murphy Urugbezi; Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, HRM Anthony Ogbogbo, Ibuka I; Ovie of Okpe-Isoko Kingdom, HRM Felix Agbabe, Ekpolo II; Engr Uzuazomaro Ashaka, Chief Mike Ogwah; Arc Amby Okuhor, among others.
