By Samuel Ogude
The Vice Chancellor, Delta State University (DELSU), Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, has lauded Professor Kennedy Ejiwoke Umunadi’s academic prowess.
Prof Asagba made this commendation at the institution’s 113th Inaugural lecture which took place on Thursday, 14th August, 2025, at the 750 Lecture Theatre A, Site III, DELSU, Abraka. The VC who appreciated Prof. Umunadi’s scholarly depth and excellence of his delivery of the lecture said, the inaugural lecturer spoke with authority and insight, addressing critical aspects of the topic with clarity and impact.
Earlier in his lecture,the inaugural lecturer, Professor Kennedy Ejiwoke Umunadi, a Professor of Technical Education who spoke on the topic: “The Great Disconnect Between Technical Education Graduates and The Labour Market: Challenges and Pathways”, identified multiple barriers in this direction, which according to him, range from inadequate competencies and poor electricity supply to negative perceptions, insufficient funding, and a shortage of qualified educators as causes of the gap between technical education graduates and the labour market.
According to Prof. Umunadi, other barriers are assessment of participating trainees in industrial training programme quality, quantity of ICT materials and rebrand technical education. Prof. Umunadi said, the solution to these barriers include : curriculum and training reforms, improved facilities and equipment, stronger institutional–industry linkages and better electricity supply.
Others are rebranding technical education and adoption of the German dual education system, which combines classroom and industry-based learning. The 113th inaugural lecture was climaxed with the decoration of the inaugural lecturer, Professor Kennedy Ejiwoke Umunadi with the prestigious medal of inaugural lecturers of the University which was done by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, just as special musical rendition was done by the Department of Music.
This was closely followed by photo sessions of the inaugural lecturer with principal officers of the university as well as with family and friends. Dignitaries present at the 113th inaugural lecture included wife of DELSU Vice Chancellor, Dame (Mrs) Elizabeth Olabimpe Asagba, Vice Chancellor of University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, Professor Solomon Tamarabrakemi Ebobrah, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Edmund Atakpo, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Hilary Owamah, Provost of Oleh Campus, Professor Elo Ibagere, Registrar of the University, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio and the University Bursar, Mrs. Otimeyin Ekakitie-Omajuwa.Others are the University Librarian, Dr Josephine Eruterio Onohwakpor.
Also in attendance were former Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Emeritus Professor Eric Arubayi and his wife, Professor Diana Arubayi, Chairman of Governing Council of Dennis Osadebey University, Asaba, Professor Robert Ikomi, Rector of Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu, Professor James Okoro.
Others are Provosts, Deans, Directors, Professors, staff and students of the university, friends and family members of the inaugural lecturer including his wife, Mrs Ogheneruona Umunadi.