By Patrick Gbuchanye
The University of Delta, Agbor (UNIDEL) has inaugurated a six-member caretaker committee to pilot the affairs of its pioneer Alumni Association, as part of activities marking the institution’s maiden convocation ceremony. The inaugurated caretaker committee members are Comr. Ifeanyi Ebube God’sent, Chairman; Comr. Okolo Wilmar, Vice Chairman; Comr. Precious Ogwueleke, Secretary; Comr. Meshack Godfirst, Treasurer/Financial Secretary; and Comr. Onyema Francis Agbarho, Public Relations Officer (PRO).
Vice Chancellor Stella Chiemeke charged the newly inaugurated committee and the pioneer graduands to serve as worthy ambassadors of the university in their engagements with society.
Represented by her Deputy, Prof. Patrick Ijeh, the Vice Chancellor described the Alumni Association as a critical layer in the life of any institution, noting that graduates remain the true reflection of the university’s quality.
“The alumni are our products sent into society. How they engage and how well they perform will ultimately define how the public judges us,” she said. “If we say we have produced first-class graduands, society will assess us based on their performance in their various fields.”
She emphasized that the university management is deliberate about building a formidable UNIDEL Alumni Association that will foster unity and connection among graduates across the globe.
Explaining the rationale behind setting up a caretaker committee, Prof. Chiemeke said elections could not be conducted immediately, as the association must first draft and adopt a constitution to guide its operations — including defining its name, tenure of office, eligibility criteria, and other structural frameworks.
According to her, the caretaker committee will oversee the association’s affairs for a maximum of six months, during which they are mandated to draft and ratify the constitution and conduct elections for substantive executive members.
“We can only supervise, advise, and support when necessary,” she noted, adding that failure to conduct elections within the stipulated period could lead to the dissolution of the committee.
She further disclosed that the Alumni Association’s first election is expected to be held during its maiden homecoming, while the second homecoming will coincide with the university’s second convocation ceremony.
“We have started another history as a new player has been added to the team. Let us embrace them, support them, and collectively take UNIDEL to greater heights,” she added.
Also speaking, the Dean of Student Advisory Services, Prof. Rufus Ijeh, congratulated the graduands on the successful completion of their academic programs. He urged them to uphold the values of the institution and act as marketers of the university wherever they find themselves.
“Alumni is where a lasting relationship is formed between graduates and the university. Be mentors to other students. Never be the ones to destabilize the institution for any reason,” he advised.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman Comr. Ifeanyi Ebube God’sent expressed gratitude to God and the university management for the confidence reposed in them.
He assured that the committee would work collaboratively and diligently to deliver on its mandate, particularly in drafting a workable constitution and laying a solid foundation for a vibrant Alumni Association.
He pledged that, with unity and dedication, the caretaker team would position the UNIDEL Alumni Association for growth and greater accomplishments in the years ahead.
