By Marvis-Eterigho Osiobe
The new Vice Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, has pledged to anchor his administration on divine guidance as he formally assumed office, declaring that the institution would be rededicated to God for the next five years.
Prof. Awhefeada made this known during a handover Mass held at the Annunciation Catholic Church within the university, where he emphasized the centrality of God in leadership and institutional growth.
“We are beginning with God. There is nothing after God and there is nothing before God,” he said.
“Today we are rededicating this university to God that for the next five years, God will guide us.”
The Vice Chancellor also used the occasion to appreciate members of the university community and guests who attended the service, noting that their presence underscored a collective commitment to the institution’s future.
In a significant remark, Awhefeada paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, Prof. Oboreh, insisting that he should no longer be addressed as a former or past Vice Chancellor but as the “Founding VC”, in recognition of his foundational contributions to the university.
Earlier in his homily, Fr. C. Igwe charged the new Vice Chancellor to build his administration on the foundation of Christ, stressing that “no other foundation can be laid except that which has been laid by Christ himself.”
The cleric urged Prof. Awhefeada to uphold three key principles in the discharge of his duties: the fear of God, adherence to institutional rules, and discretion in decision-making.
He noted that the fear of God guides leaders to act rightly, while discretion enables sound judgment, drawing reference to King Solomon’s wisdom in the Bible.
Fr. Igwe also commended the outgoing Vice Chancellor for his visible achievements, describing his contributions as impactful and worthy of appreciation.
He offered prayers for renewed strength and divine guidance for him as he proceeds on sabbatical.
Highlighting the challenges of leadership, the priest warned that higher responsibilities often attract greater pressures, stating that “new levels will attract new devils,” and emphasized the need for divine grace to navigate such demands.
Dignitaries present were Prof Presly Obukoadata, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dean’s of various faculties, Chiefs, amongst others.
