DELSU VC Says Philanthropic Support Needed To Advance Nigeria’s Education Sector

By Patrick Ijeh

The Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Professor Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga, has emphasized the vital role of philanthropic support in advancing Nigeria’s education sector.

He made this statement today in Abraka while receiving a generous donation of books valued at over five hundred thousand naira from the Chief Beauty Ethel Erhiano Agbarha Foundation to bolster the university’s preparations for the National Universities Commission (NUC) resource verification of the Department of Library and Information Science.

The Vice Chancellor, represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Sam Ogege, highlighted the significant costs involved in providing quality university education. He stressed that this financial burden should not rest solely on the government and higher institutions, as broader support is needed to ensure that education remains accessible and affordable for the average citizen. Professor Egwunyenga expressed gratitude to the donor for the timely and relevant book donation, noting its importance to the Department of Library and Information Science as it prepares for the upcoming NUC resource verification visit. He also urged other philanthropists to follow the example of the Chief Beauty Ethel Erhiano Agbarha Foundation, to help make education accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of their economic background.

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In his welcome address, the Head of the Department of Library and Information Science, Professor Basil Enemute Iwhiwhu, explained that the NUC resource verification panel’s visit was prompted by the relocation of the Library and Information Science Programme from the Faculty of Education to the Faculty of Social Sciences in January 2024, a move approved by the university’s Senate under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Professor Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga. Professor Iwhiwhu highlighted the department’s efforts to collaborate with external stakeholders by seeking support from individuals and organizations. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Beauty Ethel Erhiano Agbarha Foundation, an NGO founded by an indigene of Umiaghwa-Abraka Kingdom, for its swift response. He assured that the donated books would be put to optimal use and called on other individuals and groups to contribute towards the department’s successful transition into the Faculty of Social Sciences.

During the presentation, Engr. George Ighorhuemu, representing the Chief Beauty Ethel Erhiano Agbarha Foundation, noted that the foundation, established in 2019, is a charitable organization with a strong focus on promoting the education of young people as one of its key objectives. Engr. Ighorhuemu highlighted that the Foundation, through its Pa David Ighoruemu Agbarha Education Award, chose to support the Department of Library and Information Science by donating the much-needed books, as part of its commitment to encouraging academic growth at Delta State University, Abraka. He emphasized the Foundation’s belief that educating young people is a fundamental step toward advancing societal development. He expressed the hope that the books will be put to good use.

The ceremony was attended by the University Librarian, Dr (Mrs) Josephine Onohwakpor, as well as staff and students of the department.