DELSU Abraka Soars Under Prof. Asagba’s Visionary Leadership

By Churchill Oyowe

Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, is undergoing a remarkable transformation under its current leadership, led by the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Samuel Asagba. In just four months of his emergence as VC, the institution has recorded notable achievements in infrastructure, academic expansion, and student welfare. Newly completed projects include lecture theatres, hostels, road, and administrative buildings across its campuses. The institution has also expanded its academic offerings and strengthened global collaborations. With streamlined digital services and proactive student-focused policies, DELSU is emerging as a model university in Nigeria. Despite challenges, strategic innovations continue to drive progress.

Revelations of the progress were unveiled in the series of activities leading to the 17th convocation ceremonies of the university, which ended recently.

Asagba started by honouring his predecessor’s legacy.
In a significant gesture, Prof. Asagba announced the renaming of the Faculty of Management Sciences Complex after his predecessor, Prof. Andy Egwunyenga. He commended Egwunyenga’s tenure for ushering in a season of transformation, notably with the rapid completion of the faculty complex in just eleven months. “We are consolidating on a solid foundation,” Asagba said, acknowledging the pivotal groundwork laid before him.

On his strategic vision for DELSU’s Future, Prof. Asagba outlined a forward-looking blueprint, which he anchored on sustainable growth, technological advancement, and institutional efficiency. His administration, according to him, is set to emphasize innovation, capacity building, and partnerships to drive a smarter and more responsive university system.

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In the area of academic excellence, the VC pledged to enhance academic programmes by ensuring continued accreditation, staff development, and the introduction of new courses aligned with global demands, such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Cybersecurity. “We will not just expand programmes; we will raise standards,” he noted.

In all, Technological Integration is holding a prime presence. Prof. Asagba highlighted the integration of digital platforms in administrative and academic operations. “The university will deploy biometric systems to monitor attendance, improve security, and streamline internal processes. These innovations are intended to reduce bureaucracy and increase transparency,” he said.

On Infrastructure Development, the Asagba administration is investing in state-of-the-art facilities across DELSU campuses. New lecture theatres, internal access roads, student hostels, and faculty buildings have either been completed or are underway. “Our goal is to create learning environments that inspire and support excellence,” he emphasized.

Concerns kept beaming at the Senate Building. At the Convocation Week Press Conference, the issue of the abandoned project came up, where the VC revealed that almost every item needed for the completion was in tact. He, however, wondered why it was abandoned but expressed optimism that if the state government hands off from the project, the university would complete it in no distant time.

Financial Sustainability is another area Asagba is channeling attention. He said the aim was to reduce dependency on government subventions. DELSU, under Prof. Asagba, plans to boost internally generated revenue through initiatives like a proposed microfinance bank and university-run agricultural enterprises. “Financial autonomy begins with innovation in income generation,” he said.

The power challenge in DELSU is overwhelming. The institution pays N60 million monthly to sustain public power supply. This is outside expenditure on diesel and petrol to run power generating sets in the school. On plans to overcome this agelong power challenge, the VC said his administration is exploring alternatives, including hydropower generation through the utilisation of the River Ethiope, renowned for it’s depth and fast flowing under current. The institution experimented of it in the past and made some progress but it was abandoned somehow. This time around, we explore the possibility to fruition,” Asagba stated.

Student-focused policies are also taking centre stage. To this end, the VC announced upcoming welfare packages, transport system enhancements, and merit-based scholarships. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that no student is left behind, academically or economically.

Commitment to Quality Assurance
is paramount. That is why
During a recent National University Commission (NUC) accreditation visit, Prof. Asagba stressed the importance of adhering to national and international academic benchmarks. He assured that DELSU would continually review its programmes and infrastructure to maintain high standards.

Prof. Samuel Asagba’s vast experience—as a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost of DELSU Asaba, he is equipped with deep institutional insight. His leadership reflects clarity, humility, and determination. The beauty of his vision is that implementation has already stated, making is a vision beyond rhetorics.

With a team-oriented approach that Prof Asagba has adopted and a future-ready agenda, DELSU can be said to be poised for not only a sustained impact under his stewardship but the making of lasting legacies.