The Inaugural Lecturer, Professor Ignatius Nkonyeasua Njoseh(L), presenting the DELSU 118th Inaugural Lecture to DELSU Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba(R).
By Ese Umukoro
Vice Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, has commended the practical approach adopted by the inaugural lecturer, Professor Ignatius Nkonyeasua Njoseh in delivering his lecture. Professor Asagba made this remark at the 118th in the series of DELSU inaugural lectures which held on Thursday, 22nd January, 2026 at the 750 Lecture Theatre A, Site III.
According to Professor Asagba, the inaugural lecturer presented his lecture in practical, simple terms that relate to everyday life. He further stated that Professor Ignatius Nkonyeasua Njoseh Njoseh’s ability to use the metaphor of the processes and activities in the kitchen to represent mathematical theorems and equations, depicts the practicality of mathematics in daily activities. The Vice Chancellor therefore praised the inaugural lecturer for an excellent and inspiring lecture.
Earlier, in his lecture titled: “Finding ’x’ Amid the Problems In My Kitchen: My Career As A Numerical Analyst”, Professor Ignatius Nkonyeasua Njoseh observed that from humanity’s earliest beginnings, the search for ’x’ has defined human inquiry. The Professor of Mathematics further noted that the unknown variables which ‘x’ usually represents were not created by mathematics, rather mathematics gave them language, structure and method.
DELSU Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, commending the 118th inaugural lecturer Ignatius Nkonyeasua Njoseh.
According to him, the kitchen is more than a physical space where food is prepared just as he said, it is a metaphorical laboratory of life filled with uncertainties,approximations, processes, and practical problems.Professor Njoseh argued that the principles of computational mathematics could be applied not only to solving differential equations but also to understanding the uncertainties of everyday life.
The Professor of Mathematics further stated that numerical analysis is applied in all spheres of life including engineering, medicine, economics, climate science and indeed, everyday life. Using practical examples of activities in the kitchen and elsewhere, Professor Njoseh highlighted the fact that such daily activities of cooking, budgeting, travelling and planning involve approximations, convergences and optimizations which are part of numerical analysis. According to him, finding the ‘x’ is highly dependent on using the right method to solve the prevalent problem just as he said ’x’ is found in life’s challenges if the right method is used.
In conclusion, the Professor of Mathematics said, the kitchen is a space where theory meets practice, where problems are not abstract but tangible, where solutions must be both efficient and practical. He therefore underscored the importance of numerical analysis in service to humanity as it is applicable to domestic and public situations.
The Inaugural Lecturer, Professor Ignatius Nkonyeasua Njoseh, delivering DELSU 118th Inaugural Lecture.
Other highlights of the 118th inaugural lecture were the decoration of the inaugural lecturer, Professor Ignatius Nkonyeasua Njoseh, with the prestigious medal of inaugural lecturers of DELSU by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, special musical rendition by the Department of Music, photo sessions of the inaugural lecturer with principal officers of the university as well as with family and friends. There was a cocktail hosted by the Vice Chancellor for the inaugural lecturer, his family, invited guests and members of the university community as well as a special reception organised by the inaugural lecture for his invited guests within and outside the university.
Dignitaries present at the 118th inaugural lecture included Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Prof Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, wife of the Vice Chancellor, Dame (Mrs) Elizabeth Olabimpe Asagba, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Edmund Aviedo Atakpo, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Hilary Ijeoma Owamah, Provost of Oleh Campus, Professor Austine Atonuje, the University Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio and the University Bursar, Mrs Otimeyin Ekakitie-Omajuwa.
Also in attendance were the University Librarian, Dr. Josephine Eruterio Onohwakpor, DELSU Governing Council Chairman, General Alexander Ogomudia (Rtd), the Obi of Owa Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Dr Emmanuel Efeizomor II and members of his traditional council, Librarian of Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, Dr (Chief) Edwin Achugbue, Chief Strategist to the Governor of Delta State, Dr Festus Okunbor, members of the clergy, Provosts, Deans, Directors, Professors, staff and students of the university. Others in attendance were former Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Emeritus Professor Eric Arubayi and his wife, Professor (Mrs) Diana Arubayi (Rtd), friends and family members of the inaugural lecturer including his wife, Mrs Angela Njoseh, his children, and others.
(Dr Ese Umukoro,Deputy Director,DCIPR, DELSU)