Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, on Thursday, 11th June, 2026, formally inaugurated the Governing Boards of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua; the Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island; and the Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education, Sagbama, Bayelsa State.
Performing the joint inauguration ceremony at the Education House in Yenagoa, the Governor, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Emelah Gentle, noted that the government’s desire to continuously contribute to the advancement of higher education was the reason behind the selection of credible individuals to pilot the affairs of its owned institutions.
He stated that the ceremony was not merely a statutory requirement but a significant step in the collective effort to strengthen governance, effectiveness, and the global competitiveness of the state’s tertiary institutions. Dr. Emelah conveyed the Governor’s goodwill and warm greetings to the newly inaugurated sons and daughters of the state appointed to positions of trust to steer the affairs of the universities and contribute to the advancement of higher education in Bayelsa State.
The Commissioner further emphasized the critical role of tertiary institutions in building a strong and prosperous society when strategically positioned. According to him, universities serve as centres of knowledge and innovation, with the responsibility of providing strategic direction, safeguarding institutional integrity, ensuring accountability, and promoting academic excellence.
He urged the newly inaugurated council members to be guided at all times by the principles of responsibility, fairness, diligence, objectivity, and selfless service. He reminded them that history would judge leaders not by the offices they occupy but by the institutions they strengthen and the legacies they leave behind.
The appointed council members for the University of Africa, Toru-Orua are: Kemela Okara Esq. MON (Pro Chancellor/Chairman), Prof. Ebi Bia Awotua-Efebo, Prof. Azibola Kesiye Inengite, Prof. Mark B. Leigha, HRH Guslin Tounaregha, Hon. Markson Fefegha, Mrs. Love Amaseimogha, Dr. Ebimowei Wodu and Okene Simon-peter.
Appointed members for the Niger Delta University are: Prof. Steven Odi-Owei (Pro Chancellor/Chairman), Dr. Timi Johnson, Barr. Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema mmi, Prof. Barclays Ayakoroma, Prof. Francis Sikoki, Barr. Warmate Jones Idikio, Dr. Ibilate Benson Dadigi, Ogbara Faith and Dr. Wodu Ebimobowei.
Others are Prof. Edmund Allison-Oguru, Chairing the Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education, and other members.
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated council members, Prof. Steven Odi-Owei described the appointments as an honour and a privilege to serve. He said they would assemble all experiences gathered over the years to pursue the goals of their various institutions. He thanked the Governor and the Commissioner of Education while pledging to serve in the various capacities they have been appointed effectively.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by heads and registrars of the institutions inaugurated.