DELSU Alumnus Defends Asagba Over Certificate Allegation, Cites Administrative Reforms

An alumnus of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Efe Kelvin Eyela, has defended the administration of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samuel O. Asagba, over an anonymous social media publication alleging difficulties in obtaining certificates from the institution.

Eyela, in a response titled, “An Alumnus Responds to the DELSU Certificate Allegation,” faulted attempts to present the anonymous write-up, headed “DELSU, ABRAKA, I NEED ANSWERS!” as established evidence of administrative failure.

He acknowledged the importance of university certificates, particularly for graduates seeking employment, but maintained that allegations of administrative shortcomings should be subjected to factual examination rather than accepted without verification.

According to Eyela, the central issue in the allegation is the identity and academic status of the purported claimant, noting that the university reportedly said its database checks had not confirmed the individual as a graduate.

He observed that the anonymous publication did not provide the claimant’s name, matriculation number, programme, graduation year or application reference, which could help the university establish the facts surrounding the complaint.

The alumnus urged the claimant to submit the relevant identifying details and evidence of the certificate application privately to the appropriate university office for verification.

He also acknowledged the urgency of the employment situation described in the publication, including the reported medical examinations, resignation from a previous job and the Monday, November 9, employment deadline.

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However, he argued that these circumstances, although understandable, did not resolve the reported discrepancy in the university’s records.

On the broader certificate administration process, Eyela said the university reportedly had more than 80,000 uncollected certificates before Professor Asagba assumed office in late November 2024.

He clarified that the figure represented uncollected certificates and should not be interpreted as proof that all the certificates had already been produced.

He, however, described the situation as a significant administrative challenge inherited by the present management.

The alumnus noted that the Asagba-led administration had responded by automating the certificate application and collection process, enabling graduates to apply for their transcripts and certificates from anywhere in the world without necessarily travelling to the university.

He said the initiative had also reportedly reduced opportunities for touts and intermediaries who previously demanded money from graduates seeking assistance with certificate processing.

According to him, the reform was particularly beneficial to alumni residing outside Abraka, other parts of the country and abroad, as it reduced travel expenses, missed work and unnecessary uncertainty associated with repeated physical visits.

Eyela further disclosed that, according to the university, two convocation ceremonies had been held since Professor Asagba assumed office, with certificates for both graduating cohorts ready for collection at their respective ceremonies.

He added that genuine certificate applications relating to sessions before 2024 were reportedly processed in fewer than five working days after the necessary checks and confirmation.

He described these as measurable service improvements that should form part of the assessment of the current administration.

On the issue of certificate verification, the alumnus said the university management had reportedly continued to uncover irregularities involving names, grades and degree classifications.

He maintained that although prompt certificate processing was important, accuracy remained essential to protecting the credibility of DELSU qualifications.

He stressed that errors involving graduates’ names, grades or degree classifications could undermine the value of their qualifications and unfairly disadvantage those who had fulfilled the university’s academic requirements.

The alumnus also called for allegations of extortion to be supported with verifiable details, including the identities of persons allegedly involved, payments demanded, correspondence and relevant application references.

He said such evidence would enable the university to investigate complaints and establish responsibility where wrongdoing was found.

On the reported intervention of the Public Complaints Commission, Eyela said the university’s records indicated that the commission investigated a related complaint and, through what was described as credible sources, found no truth in it before writing to commend the Vice-Chancellor’s work.

Commending Professor Asagba for the reported reforms, he said the automation of certificate services, readiness of certificates at convocation and efforts to improve administrative processes deserved recognition.

He urged fellow alumni to use the approved certificate application channels, retain their application and payment records, and report any difficulties through the appropriate university offices.

He also called on those circulating the anonymous publication to seek documented responses before treating its allegations as established facts.

The alumnus maintained that the collective interest of graduates should be to protect the reputation of the university, ensure accessible services and encourage reforms that strengthen confidence in the institution’s certificates.

He concluded that genuine graduates should not have to depend on touts, unofficial payments or personal influence to access services to which they are entitled.