First Anniversary: Prof. Asagba Lists Achievements As DELSU VC, Thanks Oborevwori For Support

By Daniel Dafe

Vice-Chancellor, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Professor Samuel Asagba, has reaffirmed his vision to position the institution as a leading university renowned for academic excellence, impactful research, innovation, social responsibility, and global competitiveness.

He said this while speaking to journalists, during his one-year-in-office celebration recently in Abraka.

The VC who has served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Provost, Asaba Campus and Dean, Faculty of Science and Head of Department, Biochemistry, also stated that his mission to transform DELSU through high-quality education, sustainable development, strong governance, innovation and  inclusive stakeholder engagement was still intact.

According to him, when he assumed office, he made familiarization visits to communicate his vision and gather feedback, strategic appointments of two Deputy Vice-Chancellors and new Heads of Departments and Directors of various units to boost competence, diversity, equity, and youth inclusion.

Asagba, a Professor of Biochemistry for 15 years, also hinted on his fund conservation initiatives such as the creation of a Revenue Monitoring Committee to prevent revenue leakages and Direct Labour & Facilities Maintenance Committee that manages construction in-house and reduces outsourcing costs.

Furthermore, he said his administration within the first one-year of his tenure established new Centres such as the Centre for Farm Management and Agricultural Extension, Centre for National Linkages, Outreach, and Partnerships and Centre for Product Development and Research Commercialization.

Prof. Asagba who reeled out his milestone achievements, said he has embarked on ICT upgrade initiatives, created new Programs and Faculties and carried out infrastructural development in the university.

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He said his strides in infrastructural development include the construction of a new road linking Basic Medical Sciences to the Faculty of Arts done in 6 weeks, ongoing renovation and target completion of the 500-Seater Theatre, construction of the Faculty of Agriculture Complex that is already at DPC level, renovation of Halls A, B, C and D, renovations of Weekend degree halls, renovation of Biochemistry, Physics and AEB laboratories.

He added that his administration also provided fast optic fibre-based internet services, renovated and created more office spaces in Faculties of Science and Pharmacy as well as old library for the use of senate services division, repaired and carried out maintenance of laboratory equipment and air conditioners and purchase of laptops, desk-tops, air conditioners and executive tables and chairs.

Meanwhile, he hinted on his administrative restructuring Initiatives which include reorganization of DELSU Investment Limited (DIL), restructuring of DELSU Business School, Asaba, establishment of Estate Directorate from Works, expansion of administrative units in the Registry, establishment of the office of a third Deputy Vice Chancellor and the establishment of a SERVICOM office.

Speaking further, the VC also disclosed that the third Deputy Vice Chancellor will focus on promoting research excellence, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Still on his milestone achievements, he said that to internationalize the institution, DELSU has appointed foreign based virtual lecturers, just as he said that DELSU now ranks as No 1 state University in Nigeria, best university in the south-south and south-east regions of Nigeria, 12th best university in Nigeria based on the Times Higher Education for 2026 rankings.

Furthermore, he said DELSU is collaborating with several foreign based universities to enhance research and teaching. The said institutions are Hangzhou International Innovation Institute of Beihang University, China, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University (FHS, NWU), South Africa, Carleton University (CARLETON), Canada, First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton, Georgia, USA.

On staff welfare and development, he said that under his watch, the institution assisted some staff with payment of their medical bills, adding that a staff medical screening was conducted for staff.

Furthermore, Asagba said a total of 22 academic staff members were promoted to Professor and 17 to Associate Professor, saying that 267 non-teaching (senior) and 31 non-teaching (junior) staff were also promoted.

He added: “The 2025 appraisal was amazing with promotion of all non-teaching staff who were due and had no adverse report.”

On student welfare, engagement and empowerment, he said that his administration has continued to sustain the current work-study programme for students, upgraded counseling services to students, stating that the management has always carried along the Student Union executive in decision making through constant engagement and dialogue.

He continued: “The University has sponsored the student union executive to various short courses/seminar that will not only help them acquire necessary leadership skills but also make them responsible citizens on graduation.

“Appropriate channels have been created for students to lodge their complaints.

“Adequate and effective medical care and sporting facilities have been provided for students.”

The VC who thanked God for His grace and wisdom in piloting the affairs of the institution, also expressed profound gratitude to Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, for appointing him and his continuous support to advance the development of the university.

He also appreciated students, staff and other stakeholders for their support.

The don said: “We have made significant strides in advancing our institution’s mission and I am confident that our momentum will continue.

“Together, we will continue to drive excellence and position DELSU as a leading institution in Nigeria and beyond.”

Many believe that under Prof. Asagba’s leadership, DELSU is not merely reforming it is redefining excellence in Nigerian higher education, positioning the university for sustained growth and global relevance.