DELSU: PGSAN Holds Congress, As Leaders Reaffirm Commitment To Student-Centered Reforms

By Akpobomeh Oghenerukevwe

The Postgraduate Students’ Association of Nigeria (PGSAN), Delta State University, Abraka, recently held its congress at the Faculty of Management Sciences Multi-Purpose Hall, drawing postgraduate students across faculties into a timely conversation on governance, academic welfare, and institutional reform.

Setting the Tone for Engagement
In his opening remarks, PGSAN President, Comr. Oviebemre Ohwovoriole welcomed attendees to what he described as a constitutional gathering aimed at fostering transparency, evaluating the association’s journey, and addressing the challenges affecting postgraduate students.

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He emphasized the significance of participatory leadership and called on students to remain informed and involved.

Dean’s Address: A Call for Intellectual Renewal
The highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by the Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, who offered both reflective and forward-thinking insights.

He acknowledged the various struggles postgraduate students face, particularly within a national context of dwindling academic standards.

Prof. Awhefeada urged students to adopt a scholarly approach grounded in honesty, diligence, objectivity, and inclusiveness.

He also called for a return to the core values of true scholarship, stronger student engagement in physical congresses and academic dialogues, research that addresses national challenges in fields like agriculture, criminology, economics, and public administration and a culture of innovation and resilience despite the prevailing economic and structural difficulties

The Dean also provided updates on ongoing reforms within the Postgraduate School, which he noted have not come without resistance.

However, he maintained that these efforts are essential for a better academic future.

He concluded his address by encouraging students to stay involved and support the goal of revitalizing postgraduate education in DELSU.

Key Issues Raised by Students
The congress created room for students to share concerns regarding their academic and administrative experiences. Prominent among these were:

Lack of dedicated lecture halls for postgraduate programs

Bogus faculty dues levied on students, in excess of the approved ₦5,000 by the Postgraduate School

Refund of late registration fees, amounting to ₦11,000

Untimely information dissemination/Lack of faculty representation during the  elections of the association

In response, Prof. Awhefeada assured students that he would liaise with the appropriate authorities to investigate and address these concerns.

He clarified that the election notice had been duly posted.

Financial Report and Institutional Strengthening
The Financial Secretary presented a detailed financial report, shedding light on the association’s revenue and expenditure.

The breakdown included allocations to welfare programs, administrative costs, logistics, and ongoing student-support initiatives.

Students commended the transparency and encouraged continued financial discipline.

One of the structural milestones achieved during the congress was the nomination of members for the Constitution Review Committee. This move was hailed as a progressive step toward updating the association’s legal framework in line with contemporary student needs and realities.

Participation and Closing
Though physical attendance was modest, the hybrid model of the congress allowed wider participation via Zoom,a decision influenced by prior survey feedback and logistical factors.

The congress concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Wilson Augustina, a PhD student from the Faculty of Social Sciences.

She expressed gratitude to the Dean, the executive council, and fellow students for their commitment to a shared academic vision.

The 2025 PGSAN congress at Delta State University, Abraka, marked more than a constitutional exercise, it became a forum for revitalization, advocacy, and renewed student leadership. With all parties pledging to build a God-blessed and student-focused academic community, the future of postgraduate education at DELSU looks promising.