DELSU To Honour Indimi, Others As VC Unveils New Projects Ahead Of Convocation

By Our Reporter

The Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Professor Samuel Asagba, has announced that the institution will confer honorary doctorate degrees on prominent Nigerians, including businessman, Dr. Muhammadu Indimi, OFR, as part of activities lined up for its forthcoming convocation ceremony, while also unveiling major infrastructure projects and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening the university’s growth.

Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday ahead of the 18th convocation on Saturday, Prof. Asagba said the university would also honour His Royal Majesty, Enyi Friday Odini, the Ukwata I of Umukwata Kingdom, and Olorogun (Mrs.) Grace Aghoghovbia for their outstanding contributions to society and national development.

He explained that the honorary doctorate awards are in line with global academic traditions of recognizing excellence and celebrating individuals whose achievements inspire students, graduands, and the wider community.

In addition to the honorary doctorate awards, the university will confer the title of Professor Emeritus on Professor Patrick Igbigbi, in recognition of his distinguished scholarship, service, and lasting legacy to the institution.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the title is reserved for exceptional retired professors who have made significant academic contributions.

Prof. Asagba also highlighted DELSU’s recent academic achievements, revealing that the university was ranked the Best State University in Nigeria in the 2025 Times Higher Education Ranking. He added that the institution also emerged the best university in the South-East and South-South regions and placed 12th overall nationally.

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He described the ranking as a reflection of DELSU’s steady rise and strong national competitiveness in higher education.

On infrastructure, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university completed a strategic access road within six weeks to improve movement within the campus, while work is ongoing on a 500-seater lecture theatre and the Faculty of Agriculture complex.

He added that several lecture halls, laboratories, and office spaces have been renovated, while the old library building is being converted into Senate Services to improve administrative efficiency.

Prof. Asagba further revealed that the university has strengthened campus connectivity through the deployment of high-speed fibre-optic internet across its campuses.

Speaking on digital transformation, he said DELSU has introduced an efficient result processing system, a unified admissions and medical screening portal, enhanced online payment systems, and upgraded Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres with over 1,000 modern computers.

According to him, these reforms have improved service delivery and significantly reduced administrative malpractice, including transcript racketeering.

The Vice-Chancellor also announced the establishment of new faculties, including Environmental Sciences, Computing Sciences, and Allied Health Sciences, as part of efforts to align the university with global educational trends and equip students with future-ready skills.

He said the institution has maintained stable school fees despite economic pressures, while also sustaining student-focused programmes such as work-study opportunities, entrepreneurial certificate programmes, improved counselling services, and expanded medical support.

To improve student leadership operations, the university also procured a Sienna Wagon for the Student Union Government.

On staff welfare, Prof. Asagba noted that promotions have been implemented across cadres, postgraduate tuition support introduced, training opportunities expanded, and free annual medical screening provided to boost staff morale and productivity.

He also acknowledged the support of the Delta State Government, particularly in the completion of the Senate Building, prompt salary payments, and improved medical allowances for staff through DELSUTH, Oghara.

Despite these achievements, he identified major challenges facing the institution, including rising costs of power supply, security, staffing, accreditation, and infrastructure maintenance.

He particularly stressed the urgent need for a modern sports complex, noting that despite limited sports facilities, DELSU still secured fourth position at the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA). He said that a modern sports complex would enhance talent development, improve student wellness, and strengthen community engagement.

Prof. Asagba called on all Nigerians, especially Deltans, to support the university’s vision, stressing that the growth of a great institution requires collective effort, partnership, and shared responsibility.