DELSU PGSAN President, Caleb Ivworin, Sworn In For Second Term, Highlights Achievements, Unveils New Plans

Comrade Pastor (Amb.) Caleb Godwin-Ivworin has been sworn in for a second term as President of the Postgraduate Students Association of Nigeria (PGSAN), Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, with a pledge to consolidate his administration’s achievements in research development, digital access, leadership training and student welfare.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Board Room of the Postgraduate School, was attended by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Edmund Atakpo, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, and Chief Emmanuel Egheneji, who represented the Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio.

Other dignitaries present included the Dean of the Postgraduate School, Professor Christian Eghuwrujakpor, and the Associate Dean, Dr Apiamu, alongside other university officials, postgraduate school administrators and student representatives.

The oath of office was administered by the Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio.

The ceremony was also attended by the president’s father, Rev. Canon Dr. Godwin Ivworin, and his wife, Evang. Mrs Faith Caleb Ivworin.

Vice-Chancellor charges executive members to prioritise research

Delivering the Vice-Chancellor’s address, Professor Atakpo congratulated the newly inaugurated executives and charged them to focus on research, academic excellence and innovation rather than politics.

He urged the postgraduate student leaders to see their positions as opportunities to contribute to the development of the university and the advancement of postgraduate education.

According to him, the association should prioritise programmes that improve students’ academic experiences, promote research and address challenges confronting postgraduate students.

Atakpo emphasised the need for peaceful engagement, constructive dialogue and effective communication between the association, its members and the university authorities. He encouraged the executives to resolve disagreements through dialogue and maintain a cordial working relationship with the management of the Postgraduate School.

On research integrity, the Vice-Chancellor’s representative cautioned postgraduate students against plagiarism, fabricated research data and the improper use of artificial intelligence in academic work.

He stressed that postgraduate research must be based on genuine investigation, proper fieldwork, authentic data collection and credible analysis, rather than copied projects or manipulated findings.

Atakpo encouraged students to take advantage of research workshops, training opportunities and other academic resources available to them, noting that postgraduate education should equip students with the knowledge and practical skills required to contribute meaningfully to society.

He also highlighted the importance of international research collaboration, encouraging postgraduate students to explore opportunities for academic partnerships with institutions in China and other countries.

He noted that collaboration with international institutions could expose students to new research methods, broaden their academic experience and strengthen the university’s research capacity.

The Vice-Chancellor’s representative further urged the executives to pay attention to students’ welfare, promote the use of information and communication technology in academic activities and support initiatives that would improve access to relevant academic information and services.

He advised the student leaders to remain humble, accessible and committed to service, warning against allowing the privileges associated with their positions to distract them from their responsibilities.

He also underscored the importance of maintaining effective communication within the association, supporting members and making productive use of the association’s structures and facilities.

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Atakpo encouraged the new leadership to work collectively, develop a clear vision for its tenure and use the period in office to implement initiatives that would leave a lasting impact on the postgraduate community.

He reaffirmed the university management’s willingness to support constructive efforts aimed at advancing postgraduate education and improving the academic environment.

Godwin-Ivworin outlines achievements, second-term agenda

In his address, Godwin-Ivworin expressed appreciation to the university management, the leadership of the Postgraduate School, members of the association and other stakeholders for their support during his first tenure.

He acknowledged the contributions of members of his executive council and other individuals whose cooperation, according to him, helped his administration pursue its programmes and initiatives.

The president expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve another term, pledging to consolidate the achievements of his first administration and pursue further initiatives that would benefit postgraduate students.

He emphasised the importance of continuity in leadership, noting that the progress of the association depended on cooperation, collective responsibility and sustained engagement with the university authorities.

Godwin-Ivworin highlighted his administration’s efforts to improve students’ access to academic information and digital services, particularly through support for the migration of the postgraduate students’ portal.

He presented the initiative as part of efforts to improve digital access and make academic services more accessible to postgraduate students.

The president also hinted on the Career, Leadership and Research Advancement Summit organised by his administration, describing it as an initiative designed to equip postgraduate students with relevant knowledge and skills beyond their academic programmes.

Following the inaugural edition, he disclosed plans for a second edition of the summit, scheduled for February or March 2027.

The programme is expected to sustain the association’s focus on career development, leadership capacity and research advancement among postgraduate students.

Godwin-Ivworin also highlighted his administration’s online data-analysis training programme, which holds weekly on Fridays.

He said the programme had attracted more than 200 participants per session, providing postgraduate students with opportunities to improve their understanding of data analysis and strengthen their research capabilities.

The initiative, he indicated, would remain an important part of his administration’s efforts to equip students with practical research skills that could support their academic work and professional development.

The president further acknowledged the contributions of outgoing executive members, commending their service and the roles they played in advancing the association’s activities.

He called for continued support and cooperation from members and stakeholders, stressing that the association’s progress required the involvement of the entire postgraduate community rather than the efforts of the president and executive council alone.

Godwin-Ivworin also made reference to the proposed appointment of Endurance Egede, subject to the necessary approval, as part of matters concerning the association’s administration.

He reiterated his commitment to working with relevant stakeholders and the university authorities to implement programmes that would strengthen the association and improve the experience of postgraduate students.

The president stressed that his second tenure would build on the foundation already laid, with particular attention to research advancement, leadership development, digital access, career preparation and student welfare.

He expressed optimism that continued collaboration between the association and the university management would create opportunities for further progress.

Executive Members

The newly inaugurated executive members are Jennifer Ogorchukwu, Vice-President; Comrade (Amb.) Ideh Godspower Oghenenivwe, Secretary; Comrade Emmanuel Eyeta, Finance; Chinuche Aaron Prince, Welfare Director; Mene Evuarerhe Thankgod, Treasurer; Abada Oghenemaro Rupert, Public Relations Officer; and Etareri Benedicta Gbogbo, Assistant Secretary.

The inauguration formally ushered in Godwin-Ivworin’s second term, with the administration expected to sustain its existing programmes and pursue additional initiatives in line with the academic and developmental needs of postgraduate students at DELSU.