– VC calls him the institution’s ‘X-Factor’ as colleagues credit him for stability and growth
by Edentu Oroso, Publications Unit
The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Otuoke, FUO, Professor Promise Mebine, has described the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Chris Chinemerem Onyema, as the “X-Factor” behind the university’s progress.
Professor Mebine made the remark at a surprise birthday celebration he organised for Professor Onyema, a Professor of English and Communication Stylistics, in recognition of his contribution to the university’s stability and institutional growth.
The Vice-Chancellor said the FUO story could not be told without crediting the DVC’s quiet, steady hand. He said Professor Onyema’s administrative competence, calm leadership and loyalty had kept the university on course through periods of transition and challenge.
Saying he had “no gold or silver” to give, Professor Mebine presented a single word instead: “X”. He explained that the letter stands for the unseen quality running through four facets of the DVC’s character, which he likened to diamond, gold, silver and bronze, and which has left a positive mark on FUO.
He then led those present in prayer, asking God to perfect all that concerns the celebrant’s life. Citing Proverbs 22:4, he noted that humility and the fear of the Lord bring riches, honour and life. Quoting Psalm 118:17, he declared that Professor Onyema “shall not die, but live.”
The celebration began at the Governing Council Chambers, then moved to the DVC’s office where the first cake was cut, and ended at the Senate Chambers, where a second cake was cut in the presence of his wife, Professor Christabel Onyema, and their daughter. Principal officers, deans, directors, staff and students joined in the tributes.
Visibly moved, Professor Onyema thanked the Vice-Chancellor and his colleagues. He said no administrator succeeds alone and that FUO’s achievements belong to the entire university community.
Speakers described him as a bridge-builder, a fair-minded administrator and a mentor to young academics and administrative staff. They recalled his generosity and ability to resolve knotty issues with tact and defuse tension, adding that his mix of scholarly depth and administrative discipline is rare.
A former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Teddy Charles Adias, sent a written goodwill message through his wife, Dr. Lolo Adias, the Director of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre FUO. She called Professor Onyema a dependable ally and colleague of her husband, saying, “The Adias success story in FUO cannot be told without the input and support of Professor Onyema.” She added, “He is part of our family.
For many at the gathering, the sequence of venues carried its own symbolism. The Council Chamber is where the university’s highest policy decisions are made, the DVC’s office is where those decisions are turned into daily operations, and the Senate Chambers is the home of its academic life. Observers noted that Professor Onyema has been a presence in all three, which they said reflects his role in holding the institution together.
Beyond administration, his standing as a scholar of English and Communication Stylistics was also celebrated. Colleagues said the precision, clarity and persuasion of his craft show in how he communicates, leads and handles people.
The event at the Senate Chambers ended with the cutting of the birthday cake, prayers for the celebrant’s good health and long life, and a pledge by colleagues to sustain the spirit of unity and service that he has championed. Thereafter, the birthday celebration continued at the Staff Club, East Campus FUO with a goat barbecue feast donated by the former Vice Chancellor, Professor Teddy Charles Adias.
As the applause faded in both campuses, the message of the day was clear: in the story of Federal University Otuoke’s rise, Professor Onyema is more than a participant, having served as DVC plenipotentiary during the tenure of the third substantive Vice Chancellor, Professor Teddy Charles Adias, and currently serving as the DVC (Administration). In the words of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Promise Mebine, he is the X-Factor.
