DELSU VC Vows To Implement University Master Plan, Lists 10 Goals, Unveils Vision, Mission

By Daniel Dafe

Vice Chancellor, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Professor Samuel Asagba, has vowed to implement the University Master Plan of the institution.

He spoke to journalists on Wednesday during the 17th Convocation Vice-Chancellor’s Press Conference at the institution’s Faculty of Management Sciences Auditorium in Site 3.

Prof. Asagba who hinted on ten goals he hopes to achieve during his tenure, said sticking to the university plan comes under the goal of sustainable infrastructural development, just as he listed constructing modern lecture halls, labs, workshops, and offices, ensuring reliable water and electricity supply and integrating renewable energy sources like solar and hydropower as measures to accomplish this task.

Continuing, he said that another goal is enhancing education and research by prioritizing high-quality education and impactful research, implement stricter quality control measures, recruit highly qualified staff, update curricula to reflect in-demand skills, leverage AI in curriculum, teaching, and research and foster industry collaboration and global partnerships, while disclosing that enhancing global competitiveness and technology; good governance and financial sustainability; funding strategies; fund conservation measures; social responsibility and stakeholder engagement; innovation and entrepreneurship; staff and student welfare and peace and security are his other goals.

Continuing, he stated that enhancing the global competitiveness and technology of DELSU will be achieved by improving DELSU’s global ranking, forming partnerships with global institutions and upgrade the university’s ICT infrastructure.

The don noted that the upgrade of the university’s ICT infrastructure will be attained by increasing internet bandwidth, revamping the university website, computerizing records and restructuring ICT Directorate for technical support.

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Speaking further, he said that to raise funds for the university, his administration is considering constituting Endowment/Foundation Fund Committee with Alumni, engaging local and international donors and philanthropists, partnering with national/multinational companies, constituting External Relations Committee for equipment funding and pursuing grants from PTDF, NCC, Rockefeller, Gates Foundation, UNDP, etc.

In the area of fund conservation, he highlighted Create Monitoring Committee for University profit centres, Ensure prudency, transparency and accountability in resource management, adopt performance-driven culture and improve procurement standards and enforce due process as ways to achieve this goal.

On his innovation and entrepreneurship goal, he promised to revamp the entrepreneurship centre into an innovation hub, launch certificate programs aligned with state needs, facilitate private sector collaboration for skills and empower students and community members.

According to him, to achieve good governance and financial sustainability for DELSU he will ensure transparency and inclusive leadership, create strong staff-student committees and promote financial integrity and efficiency.

He also hinted on diversifying revenue sources for the university by reorganizing and expanding the scope of DELSU investment Ltd, research commercialization, opening of a Microfinance Bank, mobilizing experts for consultancy services, expanding Open and Distance Learning centre and leverage PPP for infrastructure and services.

Meanwhile, he disclosed that to achieve the said goal, his administration will boost JUPEB, pre-degree and weekend programs, expand affiliate degree programs, grow student population in high-demand courses and increase postgraduate programs.

Furthermore, he said that to also increase the revenue base of DELSU, three new faculties- Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Allied Health Science have been opened, saying that in addition to the Business School in Asaba, one in Warri will soon commence operations.

Adding that he will also engage oil, gas, and maritime sectors to boost the finance base of DELSU.

Earlier, he stated that while his vision for the institution was to position DELSU as a leading university renowned for academic excellence, impactful research, ICT and innovation driven, social responsibility and global competitiveness, the mission statement of his administration is to transform DELSU through high-quality education, sustainable development, strong governance, innovation and ICT and inclusive stakeholder engagement.