DELSU: PGSAN Executive Members Visit VC, Professor Asagba

By Akpobomeh Oghenerukevwe

Postgraduate Students Association of Nigeria (PGSAN), Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka chapter, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the 8th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Samuel Asagba.

President, Comrade Ohwovoriole Ovie, who led the delegation, was accompanied by the Secretary, Bigila Abednego; Financial Secretary,Oweikpodor Vera Gbaeprekumo ;Welfare Officer, Umeh Chinonye; Public Relations Officer, Friday Faith Bariagarakara and Assistant Secretary, Iloba Chukwebuka Isaac.

Speaking during the visit, Comrade Ovie expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for his efforts since assuming office and for granting the association an audience.

He then highlighted key concerns affecting postgraduate students, accommodation, and academic challenges.

Accommodation Challenges
He noted that postgraduate students were previously entitled to 20% of hostel spaces. However, he said that under the current Dean of Students, this policy has been reinterpreted as discretionary rather than a formal right.

The president urged the Vice-Chancellor to ensure fair access to hostel accommodations for both male and female postgraduate students.

Plagiarism Checks For Postgraduate Students
A major concern he also raised was the double charge for plagiarism checks, saying that currently, both MSc and PhD students are required to undergo plagiarism checks in their first and second years, effectively making them pay twice.

The executive members proposed that plagiarism checks should only be required in the second year for MSc students and third year for PhD students, to ease financial burdens.

Access To University Policy Manuals
Continuing, he said that many students are unaware of university policies due to limited access to official manuals, even though they are included in the breakdown of school fees. The student leaders requested that these documents be made readily available to students.

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Challenges With Project Defense And Supervisor Exploitation
Some postgraduate supervisors allegedly exploit students by delaying project reviews and demanding unofficial payments. This practice frustrates students and disrupts academic progress. The executive members appealed for stricter oversight to curb such exploitation.

Exorbitant Departmental And Faculty Dues
Ovie hinted that despite a directive from the university’s 109th board meeting (held on December 14, 2024) that departmental and faculty dues should not exceed ₦5,000, some students are still being charged ₦15,000 to ₦25,000.

The executives thus urged the Vice-Chancellor to enforce compliance with the approved fee structure.

Workshops For Postgraduate Students
The visitors said students were charged ₦10,000 for academic workshops that were not organized as scheduled, adding that some students have now spent two sessions waiting for these workshops, despite making payments.

They requested urgent intervention to ensure that students benefit from the services they have paid for.

Support For PGSAN Executives
The executive members requested certain benefits, such as priority access to accommodation and exemption from school fees, similar to what is granted to undergraduate student leaders. They argued that their role in mediating student concerns and fostering harmony between students and management warrants such considerations.

Online Oral Defense For Students

Furthermore, the union leaders said that the association successfully raised ₦1.4 million to purchase equipment that allows postgraduate students to defend their theses virtually.

While virtual defense is already an option, the initiative seeks to ensure its enforcement and prevent students from being charged at the oral defense stage if they opt for a virtual session due to financial constraints or inability to be physically present.

 The executives also appealed for management’s support in institutionalizing this as a standard practice.

Responding, Prof. Asagba acknowledged the concerns raised and commended PGSAN executive members for their commitment.

The Vice-Chancellor assured that the issue of hostel accommodation will soon be resolved, as he is currently liaising with private investors to increase the availability of hostels. He stated that within the next year, more hostels are expected to be constructed. 

However, due to the Senate meeting whose scheduled time was at hand, the concerns raised by the president should be formally documented and submitted in writing for proper consideration.

The meeting ended on a hopeful note, with both parties expressing optimism for constructive resolutions to the issues raised.