By Enitan Johngold
The stage is set for an intellectually engaging and nationally significant discourse as the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), Asaba Chapter, has announced that the Pioneer and Immediate Past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, Professor Stella Chinye Chiemeke, will deliver its 2026 Annual Public Service Lecture on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Asaba.
The annual lecture, which will also commemorate the 70th birthday of renowned legal practitioner and former Chairman of the UIAA Asaba Chapter, Barrister O. P. Origho, will take place at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, beginning at 12:00 noon.
Professor Chiemeke, who made history as Delta State’s first Professor of Computer Science and the first female Professor of Computer Science at the University of Benin, will speak on the thought-provoking theme: “Reimagining Nigeria from the Grassroots: Culture, Leadership, and the Path to National Renewal.”
Addressing journalists ahead of the event, the Publicity Secretary of the UIAA Asaba Chapter, Comrade Abel Johngold Orheruata., described the annual lecture as one of the association’s flagship intellectual engagements designed to stimulate practical solutions to Nigeria’s socio-economic and governance challenges.
According to him, this year’s edition is particularly significant as it honours Barrister O. P. Origho, a distinguished alumnus and former chapter chairman whose contributions to the growth of the association have remained exemplary.
Abel Johngold said the choice of Professor Chiemeke as keynote lecturer was informed by her outstanding record of academic excellence, visionary leadership and exceptional service to education and national development.
The renowned publicist and media practitioner noted that Professor Chiemeke has carved an enviable niche in Nigeria’s educational landscape, having served meritoriously as former Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, before becoming the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, where she laid a solid foundation for the institution’s growth and academic excellence.
“Her remarkable accomplishments in academia, public administration and educational leadership make her eminently qualified to deliver this year’s lecture. We are confident that her wealth of experience and intellectual depth will provoke meaningful conversations and offer practical insights into the critical issues confronting our nation.
“We believe the lecture will become an enduring reference material for scholars, policymakers, students and future generations seeking solutions to Nigeria’s developmental challenges,” Johngold stated.
The Publicity Secretary of UIAA further explained that beyond providing a platform for intellectual engagement, the annual public service lecture also serves to strengthen fellowship among alumni of Nigeria’s Premier University while promoting the enduring values and positive image of the University of Ibadan.
“Going by current global realities, alumni associations are increasingly becoming strategic partners in institutional development. The University of Ibadan Alumni Association is committed to playing a more prominent role in advancing the ideals and growth of our alma mater while contributing meaningfully to national development,” he added.
The Delta State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, will chair the occasion, while the Obi of Issele-Uku, His Royal Majesty Obi (Engr.) Nduka Ezeagwuna, an alumnus of the University of Ibadan, will serve as the Royal Father of the Day.
Also expected to grace the event as Spiritual Father of the Day is another distinguished alumnus of the University, Venerable Professor Job Orienru Akpodiete, a respected cleric of the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Asaba.
The lecture is expected to attract the Worldwide President of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Dr. Terrumun Hembaor Gajir, members of the Worldwide Executive Council, senior government officials, policymakers, captains of industry, traditional rulers, academics, legal practitioners, alumni of the University of Ibadan and other distinguished stakeholders from across Nigeria.
With a carefully selected theme that speaks directly to Nigeria’s quest for sustainable development, inclusive leadership and national rebirth, the 2026 UIAA Asaba Chapter Annual Public Service Lecture is expected to provide a robust platform for charting practical pathways towards building a stronger, more united and prosperous nation from the grassroots upward.