Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Fidelia Ighrakpata has officially assumed office as the 7th substantive Provost of the College of Education, Warri, Delta State, marking a historic milestone as the first female internal candidate to rise to the position. She succeeds Dr. Dickson Oyovwi, the institution's 6th substantive Provost.
The formal handover ceremony, held at the College premises in Warri, attracted a large gathering of academic and non-academic staff, students, management officials, alumni, and well-wishers who described the occasion as the beginning of a new chapter in the institution's history.
In her inaugural address, Dr. Ighrakpata expressed profound gratitude to the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for finding her worthy of the appointment. She described her emergence as Provost as both a privilege and a call to greater service.
"I am deeply grateful to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for the confidence reposed in me. This appointment is not merely a personal achievement; it is a call to duty, a responsibility to serve, build, and leave a lasting legacy," she stated.
The ceremony took an emotional turn when the new Provost paid glowing tribute to her late father, Professor Alfred Unomah, who served as the 3rd substantive Provost of the College of Education, Warri. She recalled his exemplary leadership and enduring influence on her personal and professional journey.
"My father once walked these same corridors as Provost. He taught me that leadership is service and that integrity remains non-negotiable. Today, I stand on the foundation he laid. This is a full-circle moment for my family and for the College of Education, Warri," she said amid applause from the audience.
A distinguished physicist and seasoned academic administrator, Dr. Ighrakpata rose to the rank of Chief Lecturer in 2016 in the Department of Physics.
Throughout her career, she has served in several strategic positions within the institution, including Head of the Department of Physics, Deputy Provost, and Director of Management Information Systems the first woman to occupy the latter position since the establishment of the College.
Her appointment as Provost further cements her record as a trailblazer and one of the institution's most accomplished academics.
Dr. Ighrakpata called on staff and students to embrace unity, dedication, and collective responsibility in advancing the institution's vision.
She pledged to uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability, academic excellence, and staff welfare while ensuring prudent management of resources.
"I assure you of a leadership anchored on integrity, inclusiveness, and excellence. Together, we will strengthen the academic reputation of this institution, improve staff welfare, and position the College for greater achievements in line with the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori," she affirmed.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement and celebration as staff and students warmly welcomed her emergence, describing her as a true "daughter of the soil" who understands the culture, values, and aspirations of the institution. Many viewed her appointment as a well-deserved reward for years of dedicated service, professionalism, and commitment to educational development.
The ceremony concluded with prayers, goodwill messages from various unions and stakeholders, and a standing ovation as Dr. Fidelia Ighrakpata officially took over the mantle of leadership as the 7th substantive Provost of the College of Education, Warri.
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