DELSU, NCDMB, Seplat Seal Deal On Gas Development Centre Of Excellence As VC Pledges Full Implementation

By Ese Umukoro

Vice Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, has promised to fully implement the University’s obligation in the partnership between DELSU, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Seplat Energy Plc for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence.

Professor Asagba made the promise during a high-level tripartite stakeholders meeting on Monday, April 13, 2026 at the Vice Chancellor’s Conference Room, Site II, DELSU, Abraka.

He informed the partners that the University, though still growing, has carved a niche for itself as the Best State University in Nigeria and 12th Best University in Nigeria according to the Times Higher Education’s (THE) ranking for 2026.

The Vice Chancellor further stated that the establishment of the Centre of Excellence was one of his cardinal goals for the University which is to attract collaborations that would put the University in the global map.

Professor Asagba, concluded by assuring NCDMB and Seplat Energy Plc that DELSU has the human resources of researchers and administrators to effectively man the proposed Centre of Excellence for the development of the Nigerian gas sector.

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In his speech earlier, Leader of the team and Director of NCDMB, Dr Abdulmalik Halilu, told DELSU management that NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Engineer Felix Omatsola Ogbe, approved the collaboration between NCDMB, Seplat Energy Plc and DELSU in 2024 to establish a Centre of Excellence for gas development in Nigeria.

Dr Halilu said that NCDMB and Seplat Energy Plc are in DELSU to kick-start the project. He also stated that they have come to brief DELSU management of the several steps and activities undertaken since their last visit to the University. This was to carry the present DELSU administration along in the partnership deal. Dr Halilu concluded by assuring the Vice Chancellor that the Executive Secretary of NCDMB is fully committed to the project in areas of formation, execution and monitoring.

Manager of Goshen, the consulting firm of the project, Mr Leo Okafor, in his presentation gave an overview of the project. Mr Okafor, further informed the Vice Chancellor and his management team of the areas of concern which necessitated the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in the University. He then expressed optimism that the proposed DELSU’s Centre of Excellence would fulfil its mandate.

Also speaking, Manager, Engineering and Construction of Seplat Energy Plc, Mr Fidelis Ethuakor, told the host that the Company decided to establish the Centre of Excellence because of the place that DELSU holds in the heart of Seplat Energy Plc as its host community. Mr Ethuakor also informed the Vice Chancellor and his management team that it was the second Centre of Excellence after that established in Niger-Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State. He concluded by assuring DELSU that funding would not be a problem for the project.

In his vote of thanks, DELSU Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Douglasson Omotor, assured the collaborators that the University would swing into action immediately the choice of physical location for the Centre of Excellence is identified. He as well informed NCDMB and Seplat Energy Plc that the University would assemble the research and management teams needed for the project. Professor Omotor in conclusion expressed confidence that all other requirements including documentation for the project shall be provided by the University. The visitors later went on an inspection tour to identify the location of the proposed DELSU Centre of Excellence.

Dignitaries present during the meeting included DELSU Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Edmund Aviedo Atakpo, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Hilary Ijeoma Owamah, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Douglasson Omotor, DELSU Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufuoma Ufiofio, DELSU Bursar, Mrs Otimeyin Ekakitie-Omajuwa, Director of Academic Planning, Professor Felix Oghenemaro Enwa, Director of Research and Innovation, Professor Anthony Ojieh, Director of Physical Planning, Architect Mike Asiafa, Director of Works and Services, Engineer Godspower Ogbah, Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Professor Friday Zinzedoff Okwuonu, Director of Ceremonials, Information and Public Relations (CIPR), Professor Enajite Ojaruega, represented by the Deputy Director, Dr Ese Umukoro, Deputy Registrar in the Vice Chancellor’s Office, Mrs Ejiro Etobro, DELSU Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Henry Eseka, and Personal Assistant to DELSU Vice Chancellor, Mr Efe Enite among others. From the NCDMB team were Director of Corporate Services, Dr Abdulmalik Halilu who led the delegation, Mr Chris Osuji who is a manager in NCDMB, Mr Silas Omondim, Mrs Warri Lilly, Mr Mohammed Ahmed and others. From Seplat Energy Plc delegation were Mr Fidelis Ethuakor who is the Manager, Engineering and Construction of Sepat Energy Plc. The Consulting firm, Goshen’s representatives were Mr Leo Okafor who is the managing partner of Goshen, Dr Maxwell Onoh, Architect Ifeanyi Ogbodo, and Mr Uche Okafor.