Asagba: We Are Building A Smarter, Stronger DELSU

The Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Prof. Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a smarter and stronger university through sustained academic expansion, digital transformation, infrastructure development and student-centred reforms.

Prof. Asagba made the declaration while addressing participants at the maiden edition of “A Journey to Odyssey,” a leadership summit organised by the DELSU Comrade Community and themed “The Hallmark of a Comrade.”

The Vice-Chancellor commended the Students’ Union Government for maintaining a peaceful and constructive relationship with the university management, noting that dialogue has remained the foundation for resolving issues affecting students.

Recalling his assumption of office, he said student engagement was among his administration’s first priorities, adding that management has remained responsive to students’ welfare concerns, particularly in the areas of hostel water supply, electricity and other essential facilities.

Prof. Asagba highlighted the introduction of 25 new academic programmes, including the establishment of the Faculty of Computing, the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, the Department of Criminology and a degree programme in Local Government Studies.

He said the expansion was aimed at providing students with broader academic opportunities while positioning DELSU to meet emerging global demands.

The Vice-Chancellor also attributed the university’s growing reputation to its commitment to research excellence, revealing that DELSU is now ranked as the Best State University in Nigeria, the best university in the South-South and South-East, and 12th overall in the country after successfully participating in the Times Higher Education (THE) global rankings.

According to him, the university has embraced digital innovation by automating key administrative processes, enabling students to pay fees online while allowing graduates to apply for and receive their certificates through an online portal.

He announced that the student clearance process has been reduced to only four units—Departments, Faculties, Students’ Affairs and the Bursary—with all clearances to be completed electronically, a move aimed at eliminating unnecessary delays and extortion.

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Prof. Asagba further disclosed that the university has strengthened its whistleblower platform to encourage students to report cases of harassment and misconduct, while management continues to monitor academic activities to uphold integrity and accountability.

To improve computer-based examinations, he said DELSU recently acquired more than 2,000 laptops, reducing examination waiting time and enhancing the institution’s capacity to host large-scale CBT examinations, including those conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

He assured students that his administration would continue to prioritise infrastructure development, citing ongoing projects such as a 500-capacity lecture theatre for the Faculty of Arts and new facilities for the Open and Distance Education Learning (ODEL) programme.

Prof. Asagba urged students to remain disciplined, focused and committed to academic excellence, stressing that integrity remains the hallmark of responsible leadership.

Speaking with journalists after the event, the Vice-Chancellor pledged to sustain the reforms throughout his tenure, noting that maintenance of facilities and continuous improvement would remain central to his administration.

He also commended the organisers of the maiden Journey to Odyssey summit for creating a platform that promotes leadership, mentorship and meaningful engagement among students, assuring them of the university’s continued support for future editions.

On the performance of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Prof. Asagba praised the governor’s investment in infrastructure and education, noting that government support has enabled DELSU to secure full accreditation for all its academic programmes.

He concluded by encouraging students to remain obedient, responsible and focused on their studies, assuring them that the university would continue to provide an environment that enables them to achieve their academic and career aspirations.