The Delta State University (DELSU) community has been thrown into mourning as one of its staff, Dr Anthony Asiyai of the Department of Science Education was laid to rest yesterday. At the commendation service which took place on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Atscan Hall, Site II, DELSU, Abraka, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba said he received the sad and shocking news of the demise of Dr Anthony Asiyai on the 29th of April, 2025. Professor Asagba who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Edmund Atakpo commended Late Dr Asiyai whom he described as calm, quiet and responsible as well as committed to his duties. The Vice Chancellor consoled the family of the late lecturer to take solace in the fact that God alone knows best and assured the family and university community that the late Dr Anthony Asiyai was surely now resting in the bosom of the Lord. The Vice Chancellor thereafter led the university community to observe a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased.
Head of the Department of Science Education where the deceased lectured until his death, Dr (Mrs) Janice Adjekpovu commended Late Dr Anthony Asiyai for being a staff who was available to lend a helping hand whenever he was called upon. She further stated that the deceased never reneged on his duties while alive. She prayed that the Lord will continue to console the family of the deceased.
Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor (Mrs) Florence Ugoji eulogised Late Dr Anthony Asiyai describing him as a man who was dutiful and willing to assist others. She concluded that the deceased was a staff who would be remembered for his good works.
Chairman of ASUU-DELSU, Comrade Paul Opone in his oration recalled the activeness of the deceased before he took ill. Represented by Comrade Nicholas Alumona who is the Financial Secretary of the union, Comrade Opone lamented that despite the union’s hope for the deceased’s recovery from his ailment, it was shocked to only later receive the tragic news of his death. Comrade Opone later led the union in singing the solidarity song for its fallen comrade as one of the marks of the last rites and respect accorded members by the union on such occasion .
The commendation service also witnessed the filing past the casket of the deceased led by the representative of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Edmund Atakpo.
The remains of the Late Dr Anthony Asiyai was later taken to Abari town in Patani for interment. Late Dr Anthony Asiyai joined the services of the university in 2018 as Lecturer II.
Those present at the commendation service included Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Edmund Atakpo, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, the University Librarian, Dr (Mrs) Josephine Onohwakpor, Provost of College of Health Sciences, Professor Emmanuel Odokuma, Dean of Faculty of Education, Professor (Mrs) Florence Ugoji, Director of Intensive and Part-Time Programme, Professor Emmanuel Mitaire Tarurhor, Comrade Nicholas Alumona who represented the Chairman of ASUU-DELSU, immediate past Director of Centre for Continuing Education Programme (CCEP), Professor Callistar Obi, the University Public Relations Officer, Mr Henry Eseka, Head of Science Education Department, Dr (Mrs) Janice Adjekpovu, staff, students and family members of the deceased, notable among whom was Professor (Mrs) Romina Asiyai, wife of the deceased, and others.
Dr Ese Umukoro,
Deputy Director,
CIPR, DELSU.
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