DELSU To Establish Centre For Product Development And Research Commercialisation

By Ese Umukoro

The Vice Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, has announced plans to establish a Centre for Product Development and Research Commercialisation.

The initiative aims to foster practical, problem-solving research while boosting the university’s internally generated revenue and enhancing its global visibility.

Professor Asagba made this announcement during the 111th inaugural lecture of the university, titled “Biotechnology: From the Laboratory to the Factory,” delivered by Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the 750 Lecture Theatre A, Site III.

Chairing the occasion, Professor Asagba underscored the vast economic potential of biotechnology if fully harnessed.

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He revealed that the proposed centre would be led by Professor Kporhuarho Anigboro, a biotechnology researcher at DELSU and a mentee of the inaugural lecturer.

The Vice Chancellor also assured that the centre would receive adequate funding and pledged to implement key recommendations made during the lecture.

In his inaugural lecture earlier, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari a Professor of Molecular Biotechnology, underscored the transformative potential of biotechnology in national development.

He highlighted its capacity to provide economic empowerment for lecturers and researchers who can effectively leverage its opportunities. He posed critical questions to provoke reflection among Nigerian scientists, asking: What tangible contributions have Nigerian lecturers made in developing products that address societal challenges?

How have research outputs translated into financial gains for the economy through commercialization?

Expressing concern over the apparent lack of returns on the substantial investments in research by the government and other funding partners, he lamented that research efforts in Nigeria often fail to translate into impactful outcomes. He, therefore, challenged academics and researchers to prioritize commercially viable research that benefits both individuals and the nation at large.

The Visitor to Delta State University and Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, urged researchers to explore the vast opportunities in biotechnology for national development.

Represented by his Chief Strategist, Dr. Festus Okubor, the Governor commended the intellectual depth of the inaugural lecturer and emphasized the need for academics to leverage biotechnology for innovation and economic growth.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the university in its research and development efforts.

As is the university’s tradition, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Asagba after the lecture decorated, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari with the distinguished medal of inaugural lecturer of the university.

Other highlights of the ceremony were musical rendition by the Department of Music, photo sessions of the inaugural lecturer with principal officers of the university as well as with family and friends.

Dignitaries that were present at the inaugural lecture included the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Prof Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Rose Okoh, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Hilary Owamah, Provost of Oleh Campus, Professor Elo Ibagere, Registrar of the University, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio, the University Bursar, Mrs Otimeyin Ekakitie-Omajuwa, the University Librarian, Dr Josephine Eruterio Onohwakpor, Provosts, Deans, Directors, staff and students of the university.

Also in attendance were Dr Festus Okubor who represented the Visitor to the University and Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, His Royal Majesty, Ogurimerime Ukori I, The Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, Mike Omeru, Former Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Eric Arubayi and his wife, Professor Diana Arubayi (Retd), Former Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Victor Peretomode and his wife, Dr (Mrs) Otaroghene Peretomode, Chairman of Governing Council of Dennis Osadebey University, Asaba, Professor Robert Ikomi, Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara, Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, Rector of Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu, Professor James Okoro, friends and family of the inaugural lecturer.