Vice Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Prof. Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, has declared that his administration is firmly committed to positioning the institution as a centre of academic excellence, cutting-edge research, innovation and sustainable development, driven by high-quality education.
Speaking on Monday at Campus III, Abraka, while briefing journalists to mark his first year in office, Prof. Asagba said his leadership began with a comprehensive assessment of facilities and direct engagement with staff, including visits to the health centre and other critical units, to gain firsthand insight into the institution’s needs and future direction.
The Vice Chancellor, a Professor of Biochemistry, who previously served as Provost of the Asaba Campus and Dean of the Faculty of Science, said strategic appointments were made to strengthen governance.
These include the selection of two Deputy Vice Chancellors, new Heads of Departments, Directors of key units and other principal officers to ensure effective management and service delivery.
Revenue Reforms, Repairs and Result Revolution
Prof. Asagba disclosed that his administration introduced revenue monitoring committees to curb leakages and promote transparency, while adopting direct labour strategies to rehabilitate dilapidated structures across the campus.
He said several facilities have since been restored for students’ use, improving the learning environment.
Among notable achievements within the year, he listed the development of a “result engine” for faster collation and processing of academic results, recruitment of additional programmers, revamping of examination centres and improvements in ICT coordination through the merger of the Directorate of Information and Digital Centre with the ICT unit.
New Courses, National Rankings and Full Digitalisation
The Vice Chancellor announced that new academic programmes, including Farm Management and Agricultural Extension, have been introduced to meet contemporary educational and workforce demands. He further revealed that DELSU is currently rated the best university in the South-South and South-East geopolitical zones and ranked 12th nationally.
According to him, the university has fully digitalised both academic and non-academic operations, making transcript processing and certificate issuance easier. He urged graduates yet to collect their certificates to do so without stress, noting that DELSU can now dispatch documents directly to recipients anywhere in the country and beyond.
To boost ICT capacity, Prof. Asagba said the institution undertook major initiatives such as full computerisation of result processing, enhanced online systems for academic streaming and strengthened digital infrastructure.
Roads, Lecture Theatres and Farm Complex Expansion
On infrastructure, he highlighted the completion of a new access road linking the Basic Medical Sciences complex to the Faculty of Arts within six weeks, the ongoing renovation of a 500-seater lecture theatre, and expanded facilities within the university’s agricultural complex, among other physical development projects.
Staff Promotions and Student Support Take Centre Stage
Addressing staff welfare, Prof. Asagba disclosed that under his leadership the university promoted 22 academic staff to the rank of Professor and 17 to Assistant Professor. In addition, 267 senior non-academic staff and 31 junior non-academic staff were promoted, alongside other welfare interventions.
Regarding students, he said the administration has sustained the work-study programme, upgraded counselling services and continuously engaged the Student Union Executive through dialogue and consultations to ensure inclusive decision-making.
“Grateful and Proud” After First Year in Office
Reflecting on his first year as Vice Chancellor, Prof. Asagba expressed satisfaction with the university’s progress.
“As I reflect on my first year as Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, I am filled with gratitude and pride. We have made significant strides in advancing our institution’s mission, and I am confident that our momentum will continue.”
He concluded by thanking staff, students and all stakeholders for their support, which he said has been instrumental to the steady growth and rising profile of DELSU.
