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Victor Okpomor
Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka has in the last one year recorded major progress in academic development, transformation in Information Communication Technology (ICT), infrastructures growth as well as administrative reforms.
This was disclosed by Prof. Samuel I. Asagba, Vice Chancellor, Delta State University, Abraka at a ceremony to mark his one year in office, presenting “My One-Year Stewardship,” the VC reaffirmed DELSU’s founding ideals of advancing learning, promoting inclusive education, strengthening research, and serving humanity.
He reiterated his vision of positioning the University as a globally competitive institution driven by excellence, innovation, and social responsibility.
One of the major highlights of the day was the presentation of awards on outstanding deserving staff of the university, he said that the honours were given in recognition of excellence, dedication, and service, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to motivating staff and promoting a culture of excellence.
The Vice-Chancellor said his administration adopted a strategic blueprint guided by SWOT analysis to strengthen governance, deepen accountability, and ensure efficient resource management across the university.
He further disclosed that in his early months in office, he embarked on familiarization visits to faculties and units to engage directly with staff and students , adding that he also made key appointments across administrative and academic units to strengthen leadership and promote competence, equity, and youth inclusion.
Prof. Asagba said that his administration established new monitoring committees to block revenue leakages and reduce outsourcing costs by executing construction and maintenance works through direct labour.
According to the Vice Chancellor, “several new centres were created, including Centre for Farm Management, Centre for National Linkages and Partnerships, and Centre for Product Development and Research Commercialization, along with committees to enhance medical screening and community health outreach.
Prof. Asagba noted that a major highlight of his one year in office was the extensive upgrade of DELSU’s ICT infrastructure, adding, “the university developed a new result-processing engine, revamped the examination centre, computerized staff records, introduced a new integrated portal, and enabled online screening and certificate payments.
“The ICT drive also saw massive upgrades of examination centres in Abraka and Oleh with more than 1,000 new computer systems.
The Vice Chancellor paid glowing tribute to the youthful ICT team, describing them as energetic and capable of delivering even greater breakthroughs.
He spoke further, “academic expansion featured prominently, with new programmes introduced in Environmental Sciences, Computing Sciences, Allied Health Sciences, and Environmental Management & Toxicology under the Faculty of Science.
“Infrastructure development received strong attention with the completion of a new road linking Basic Medical Sciences to the Faculty of Arts, the ongoing renovation of the 500-Seater Theatre, upgrades of key laboratories, and expanded fibre-optic internet services.
“Administrative reforms included the creation of an Estate Directorate, new units in the Registry, and a third Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s office dedicated to research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. A SERVICOM office was also established to promote efficiency and accountability.
On the international front, Prof. Asagba said that the University deepened partnerships with universities in China, South Africa, Canada, and the United States.
The Vice Chancellor announced that the Times Higher Education ranking for the year placed DELSU as the best State University in Nigeria and the 12th overall, adding, “staff welfare received a significant boost with support for medical bills, comprehensive medical screenings, promotions, training, conference approvals, and continued tuition discounts for staff pursuing postgraduate studies in the University. An annual staff award system was also introduced to motivate excellence.
“Students benefited from sustained work-study programmes, upgraded counselling services, improved medical and sporting facilities, leadership training for student union executives, and enhanced complaint-resolution channels”.
Reflecting on his stewardship, the Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude God, staff, students, and stakeholders for their cooperation and commitment to the growth of the university.
He said the achievements recorded in the past year reflect the collective resolve to advance DELSU’s mission and strengthen its national and global relevance.
The Vice Chancellor expressed confidence that the institution will continue on its upward trajectory, delivering excellence in teaching, research, community service, and innovation.
