Western Delta University installs Donald Duke as 2nd Chancellor

Former Executive Gover­nor of Cross Rivers State, His Excellency, Barrister Donald Duke was at the weekend invested as the second Chancellor of the Western Del­ta University (WDU), Oghara, in Delta State, Nigeria.

Duke, who also received a Doctor of Law, Honoris Causa from the university, stepped into the office occupied by another distinguished Nigerian and for­mer Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Architect Obong Victor Attah.

Attah, the pioneer Chancel­lor of the University, stepped down having served the uni­versity meritoriously to take a deserved rest at over 85 years of age.

At the event, which marked the 14th convocation of the uni­versity which was held at the institution’s main auditorium at kilometre 10, Benin/Sapele Expressway, Oghara, Delta State, another prominent Nigerian, and first Pro-Chancellor of the University, Emeritus Professor Andrew Onokheroraye, also received the Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa award from the university in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the growth and development of ter­tiary education in Nigeria.

The new WDU Chancellor, who said he was deeply humbled to be found worthy, fit, and prop­er to be appointed, expressed his appreciation to the University’s Senate for confirming his nom­ination.

He urged every citizen to give back to society in the measure of their capacity, no matter how humble, promising his commit­ment alongside members and stakeholders of the university to foster a culture of academic excellence, innovation and in­clusivity.

He also promised to collabo­rate with talented Faculty and staff to drive research, creativ­ity, and entrepreneurship, say­ing, “Together we will cultivate a learning environment that prepares our students for an ev­er-changing world,”he said.

In his address at the occasion, the Pro-Chancellor of WDU, Professor Emmanuel Eghosa Osaghae, described His Excel­lency Dr. Donald Duke, as a dis­tinguished Nigerian statesman and transformational leader who will bring his wealth of ex­perience to bear in the univer­sity’s growth and development.

The Pro-Chancellor also used the occasion to thank the pioneer Chancellor of the Uni­versity, His Excellency, Obong Victor Attah, for his outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the university.

The Pro-Chancellor who poured encomiums on the pi­oneer Pro-Chancellor of the University, Emeritus Professor Andrew Onokheroraye, said the honour of Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa to the Emeritus Professor of Development Ge­ography is a befitting tribute to his outstanding contributions to knowledge and university leadership.

While congratulating the graduands and their parents for their great achievements, he thanked the promoter and vis­itor to the institution, His Ex­cellency, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, for his vision, unwavering and sacrificial support and guid­ance to plant the university on solid ground.