THE emergence of Barr. Richmond Jolomi Omagbemi, as a prominent and influential figure at University of Delta, Agbor, was a gradual and explosive process. With extraordinary synergy he enjoys with the highly cerebral Vice – Chancellor, Prof. Stella Chiemeke, he has over the years translated collective formulated ideas into concrete language of practice within this ivory tower.
Barr Richmond Omagbemi at 62, has elevated himself into the status of a colossus as a result of his unparalleled commitment to service and ability to rise above challenges. What this writer has seen is sheer responsibility, administrative maturity being personified by the Registrar”
The then Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa signed a Bill into law in 2021, that heralded the establishment of University of Delta, Agbor. Thus, the appointment of Prof Stella Chinye Chiemeke as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the University in 2021, became a glaring reality.
Barr. Richmond Jolomi Omagbemi’s appointment as the Registrar also in 2021, was a fact because he had established himself as a vision of service, having shown what is possible with focus, grit and brilliance at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), as a rugged impactful administrator.
Therefore, in 2021, he was ready to thread the rope of the university’s registrar ship, believing that the environment is supposed to be a dynamic social engineering mechanism, and a proper means towards building generations of vibrant graduates.
And being a legal super weight and a scholar in Public Administration, he had distanced himself from narrow pragmatic interpretations, and attached great importance and significance to the development of his mind, a development which has successfully robbed positively on the progress being recorded at the University of Delta.
It is clear that Barr. Richmond Omagbemi has demonstrated the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize duties, and maintain accurate records; ensuring accuracy in student records, transcripts, and other documents; effective interaction with students, faculty, and staff, both verbally and in writing; ability to supervise and guide staff, make informed decisions, and implement policies; familiarity with student information systems, databases, and software; maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with discretion; contributing to the development of policies and procedures that support the university’s mission.
An irreconcilable opponent of laziness and non-chalance, testimonies abound of his constant push for digitalization of official records, recalibration of policies towards sophisticated development of the university, and the promptitude has redefined administrative commitments.
A proof of this fact came up during the recent Monthly Training programme for Administrative, Executive and Secretarial Staff of the university, which took place at the 1000 Capacity Hall, Main Campus, where Barr. Omagbemi urged staff to prove themselves as engine room of administration.
According to the Registrar: “As the engine room of administration, you are expected to prove your worth. Get work done on time, ensure that plans are executed, and ensure smooth coordinating of faculty activities”.
It is imperative to look at the meaning of the word colossus. A colossus is a massive statue, often of a person or mythical figure, like the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: The term “colossus” can also describe someone who has immense power, influence, or talent in their field. In a broader sense, “colossus” can represent anything enormous, powerful, or awe-inspiring, like a colossal achievement or a colossal challenge.
The emergence of Barr. Richmond Jolomi Omagbemi, as a prominent and influential figure at University of Delta, Agbor, was a gradual and explosive process. With extraordinary synergy he enjoys with the highly cerebral Vice – Chancellor, Prof. Stella Chiemeke, he has over the years translated collective formulated ideas into concrete language of practice within this ivory tower.
Barr. Richmond Omagbemi at 62, has elevated himself into the status of a colossus as a result of his unparalleled commitment to service and ability to rise above challenges.
What this writer has seen is sheer responsibility, administrative maturity being personified by the Registrar.
This man who is inescapably drawn to the vortex of integrity and excellence has lifted himself to a new zone of administrative distinction, a development offering students and workers fantastic opportunities to rededicate themselves to their studies and duties.
Barr. Richmond Omagbemi’s registrar ship of University of Delta, so far is a reminder that greatness often begins in the shadow, even as his antecedents in University of Benin (UNIBEN), speaks volumes about his resourcefulness and absolute dedication to official duties.
This piece is specifically written to congratulate and celebrate Barr. Richmond Jolomi Omagbemi, the Registrar, University of Delta, Agbor, at 62, as the Almighty God added another year to his meritorious life on May 16th, 2025. Congratulations to a super Registrar!
Because the Registrar has lived his life like a meteor at the University of Delta, Agbor, I hereby conclude here by quoting the timeless words of Jack London, in his book titled: “I Would Rather Be a Meteor”.
According to the legendary writer: “I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them. I shall use my time. Up to a certain point, it is necessary for a man to live his life in the world in which he finds himself, and to make the best of it. But beyond that point, he must create a world of his own…Let us make the most of that time, and let us burn brightly, like meteors across the night sky, leaving behind us a trail of light and inspiration for those who come after us”.
Nowinta Igbotako, a serial author, media consultant, is Assistant Registrar @ University of Delta, Agbor: 08078703947
