By Ese Umukoro
Delta State University (DELSU) Community was thrown into mourning as Late Prof. Albert Ukaro Ofuoku was laid to rest. The ceremony which took place on Saturday, 29th March, 2025 began with funeral oration held at AT SCAN Hall, Site 2 of the University.
In his oration, the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba said he was quite shocked when he received the news of the demise of the erudite Professor. According to him, Late Professor Ofuoke ,the Professor of Agricultural Extension who was the Treasurer of ASUU, Delta State chapter, was known for his humility, hard work and dedication to duty.
On his part, the Chairman of ASUU-DELSU, Comrade (Associate Professor) Paul Opone said Late Professor Ufuoku was a very jolly good fellow who used his sonorous voice to entertain Comrades during informal gatherings. According to Comrade Opone, it was the unwavering commitment of the Late Professor Ofuoku that earned him the position of the Treasurer the Union’s branch. The ASUU-DELSU’s Chairman prayed for the repose of his soul as he (Opone) led the gathering in Union’s solidarity song for the departed Comrade.
Not left out is the Dean of Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Ogisi Odicta. She described late Professor Ofuoku as a reliable colleague who was always there when needed.On his part, Head of Agricultural Extension Department, Professor Bishop Ovwigho lamented the death of Professor Ofuoku whom he described as an asset to the department adding that, he served humanity very well while he was alive.
At the funeral ceremony which was held at Aganbi Primary School, Eku, the officiating Minister of the gospel, Dr Eboh Akpotor emphasised the need to be conscious of death as it is an inevitable end of everyone. He reminded all and sundry that, someday, each and every one shall die. Late Professor Ofuoku who joined the services of Delta State University, Abraka in 2004 as Assistant Lecturer and rose to the rank of Professor in 2023 was finally interred in his compound amidst tears.
Those present at the burial ceremony of Late Professor Ofuoke included the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Prof. Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, Provost of Oleh Campus, DELSU, Prof. Elo Ibagere, Immediate Past Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), DELSU, Prof. Ochuko Anomohanran, the University Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio; the University Librarian, Dr (Mrs) Josephine Onohwakpor; the incoming Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Edmund Atakpor; Provost of College of Health Sciences, Professor Emmanuel Odokuma; National President of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Comrade (Professor) Emmanuel Osodeke, who led other National and Zonal Executives of the Union to the ceremony.
Others are the immediate past Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Andy Egwunyenga; Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara, Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri; Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Higher Education, Delta State, Professor Nyerohwo Tonukari, Director of Intensive and Part-time Programme, DELSU, Professor Patrick Egbule; Provost of Oleh Campus, DELSU, and one time Provost of College of Basic Medical Sciences, Professor Patrick Igbigbi (Retired) among others.