“Since 2021, Prof. Stella Chinye Chiemeke, has unveiled herself as inseparable from the virtues of courage, altruism and hard work. Having carefully developed a voracious appetite for championing the collective cause of the University of Delta, she did not waste time to fashion out a concrete paradigm for constructive engagements with the workforce of this citadel of learning. The evidences are clear in the building of human capital and conscious establishment of the culture of academic creativity cum innovation, which are corner stones of her enviable achievements so far in office. Prof. Stella Chiemeke’s Midas touch could be seen in her strengthening strategic coordination and cooperation with staff, and cementing exceptional administrative skills within the walls of University of Delta”.
When Prof. (Mrs) Stella Chinye Chiemeke was appointed the Vice – Chancellor, University of Delta, (UNIDEL) Agbor, in 2021, the then governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, knew absolutely that she was going to tenaciously offer a gold mine of insights, into the business of administrative governance of the university.
This is because prior to her appointment, Prof. Stella Chiemeke has glaringly established herself not only as an academic giant with a razor sharp mind, but as a master class administrator incubated in integrity, discipline and excellence.
As the Vice – Chancellor of the University of Delta, Agbor, in 2021, many watchers of the ivory towers in Nigeria did not know much about her. But those who have been following her success story in the world of academics were cork sure she was indeed a round peg in a round hole.
Talking about Midas Touch, The “Midas touch” is a phrase that refers to the ability to achieve great success or make money effortlessly, as if by magic. It originates from the myth of King Midas, who was granted a wish that everything he touched would turn to gold.
In modern usage, the phrase is often used to describe someone who has a remarkable talent for making good decisions, investing wisely, or succeeding in their endeavors. For example:That is why the marvelous achievements of Prof. Stella Chiemeke as Vice Chancellor is so fittingly phrased.
Powered by undiluted passion and conviction in 2021, Prof. Chiemeke threw herself into the ocean of purposeful administrative leadership.
Talking about administrative leadership; it is about setting goals, orchestrating work, and mobilizing people to sustain an organization. Effective administrative leaders establish systems for consistent implementation of program operations to meet the needs of staff and students.
It is not exaggerating to say that Prof. Stella Chiemeke acquired the skill, knowledge, qualification, capacity or authority to manage or direct the affairs of a public organization like University of Delta, Agbor.
This piece being a product of investigative journalism, l discovered that this Vice – Chancellor has leadership acumen, which is the ability to manage and bring out the best in people.
Since 2021, Prof. Stella Chinye Chiemeke, has unveiled herself as inseparable from the virtues of courage, altruism and hard work. Having carefully developed a voracious appetite for championing the collective cause of the University of Delta, she did not waste time to fashion out a concrete paradigm for constructive engagements with the workforce of this citadel of learning. The evidences are clear in the building of human capital and conscious establishment of the culture of academic creativity cum innovation, which are corner stones of her enviable achievements so far in office. Prof. Stella Chiemeke’s Midas touch could be seen in her strengthening strategic coordination and cooperation with staff, and cementing exceptional administrative skills within the walls of University of Delta.
Let’s quickly look at what Prof. Chiemeke, has done in terms of infrastructural development since her resumption of office. We see construction of roads, buildings and solid acquisition of equipments for more faculties, building of professors’s offices; development of Staff Model Secondary School, physical expansion of the institution, to mention a few.
Also with infectious optimism the nuts of technological innovation are being cracked positively and progressively; there is the monthly training of Administrative, Executive and Secretarial staff.
This God fearing thoughtful and sensitive administrator who has created a haven for academic activities, also has instituted a monthly Intercessory Prayer Programme for the university.
The Vice – Chancellor’s infectious optimism and indomitable spirit in putting the right caliber of individuals in places of responsibilities has paid off incredibly.
Most of those the Vice – Chancellor appointed into various positions are taking after her in terms of performance.
Where is this titan of innovation and excellence coming from? This computer expert was born in Ekwuoma, Ika North East Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. Prof. Chiemeke got her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from the University of Lagos in 1986 and 1992, respectively. She crowned her academic journey with a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure in 2004.
This seasoned administrator rose to the headship of Computer Center at Edo State University (now Ambrose Alli University), after she joined in 1986; was at the University of Benin as an Assistant Lecturer in 1994 and rose to the rank of Professor in 2009. She was Assistant Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Benin (2006-2007); Acting Head, Department of Computer Science, University of Benin (2002-2004 and 2006-2009); Director, Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office, University of Benin (2010-2015).
Prof. Stella Chiemeke’s versatile experience, wide ranging interests in administrative initiatives made her to be the Rector, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku (2017-2021). In 2021, she shattered another barrier which opened doors for her, when former governor, Ifeanyi Okowa appointed her as the Vice-Chancellor, University of Delta, Agbor.
This extraordinary global award winning personality with the heart of leadership, empathy and compassion, is the second female Professor of Computer Science in Nigeria.
In drawing the curtain on this piece, one has seen that Prof. Chiemeke has triumphantly exhibited competence in the field of administration in the University of Delta.
Michael J. Gelb, an American non-fiction author, executive coach and management consultant, once said:”By stretching yourself beyond your perceived level of confidence you accelerate your development of competence”. Who says Michael Gelb did not have madam Vice – Chancellor in mind when articulating the above words?
With deep seated desire and restless energy, madam Vice – Chancellor along with the Deputy Chancellor, Prof. Patricia Mbah, the Registrar, Barr. Richmond Omagbemi, the Librarian, Dr. (Mrs.) Vera Okonoko, and others, are indeed turning challenges into stepping stones; safeguarding peace and stability; maintaining stronger strategic coordination of the activities of staff and students.
This woman of substance and monument of hard work has gradually established herself as one of the most notable Vice – Chancellors in the academic firmament of Nigeria.
Nowinta Igbotako, a serial author, media/research consultant, is Assistant Registrar in UNIDEL:08078703947.
