L-R :DELSU-VC ,Prof. Samuel O. Asagba(3rd) flanked by other management staff during the press briefing on Wednesday
By Ejiro Nesisa
The Vice Chancellor, Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Samuel O. Asagba said his vision is to make the institution as first choice for Deltans and other Nigerians. Prof. Asagba stated this on Wednesday during press briefing ahead of Saturday’s 17th Convocation ceremony of the institute that took place at Faculty of Management Sciences, Auditorium, site 3. Abraka, Delta State.
According to him, among other things, his administration would see that the institution emerges a centre of academic excellence, which would serve as a breeding ground for high morals and devoid of cultism, examination malpractice, sexual laxity, violence and social vices. His words: “In my vision for Delta State University Abraka, l see where the campuses will be physically and aesthetically developed, with a holistic and peaceful environment, with academic programmes that will produce graduates with salable skills relevant to societal needs..”
Prof. Asagba said, he is determined to ensure that the University has adequate physical and infrastructural facilities to enhance its academic programmes with core area of research that would enhance its reputation nationally and internationally.
DELSU-VC ,Prof. Samuel O. Asagba and other members of staff in a group photograph after press briefing on Wednesday
His words: The institution would have credibility and potential to generate resources internally and externally to augment Government allocations, a University with sound and cordial relationship with the private sectors and linkages with sister Universities in Nigeria and Abroad as well as international education funding organizations“. The Vice Chancellor also said, the institution would also be ICT driven just as he said, it would promote a sound relationship with the host community and other stake holders.
Prof Asagba said, he would not let down the vision of the founding fathers of the institution that encouraged the advancement of learning throughout the state and Nigeria at large and hold out to all persons without distinction of race, creed or sex, the opportunity of the acquisition of liberal education but build on them.
His words:” The key vision of the founding fathers of the Delta State University is to advance knowledge, wisdom and understanding by teaching and research with the ultimate purpose of service to humanity”. According to him, as a person who has held several positions in the school, he would continue to contribute his quota for the growth and development of the institution.
His words:” As a former Deputy Vice Chancellor( Administration), former Provost of Asaba Campus, former Dean, former HOD and a Professor of Biochemistry for 14 years, l have followed keenly and contributed to the growth and development of DELSU and have dreams that shall build on the vision of the founding fathers, the genuine foundations of past administration and outstanding achievements of the present administration”.
According to him, his mission, among others is to generate revenue and conserve funds as without funds, it would be impossible to realize his vision as apart from the government’s funds, funds would be raised through tuition and other fees by students which be used for the speedy growth and development of the school.
Prof. Asagba said, strategies have also been put in place to enhance graduates’ employability- improving the quality of graduate and post graduate students’ output not only in academic content but employability. According to him, the institution would upgrade its research infrastructure being the defining factor of a university with a direct impact on the profile and image of the institution.
DELSU-VC ,Prof. Samuel O. Asagba ,some members of staff and some institution’s secondary school students in a group photograph after press briefing on Wednesday
On the institution’s rating, the Vice Chancellor said, measures have been put in place to enhance its ranking and global competitiveness to ensure academic and administrative activities conform with international standards and global best practices adding that, the institution would be properly connected to the international world through common wealth multifarious schemes, covering short term and long-term sponsorship for staff and students.
Prof. Asagba also hinted that,his administration would promote information and communications technologies by improving on the institution’s ICT infrastructure to enable the University compete globally, offer a modern and engage learning experience, support cutting edge research and innovation for effective administration.
According to Vice Chancellor, the institution would build on infrastructure, water and electricity as they are pillars with which the institution functions efficiently and effectively. He also said, the institution would also engage stakeholders both external such as the nation, the government (council), host community, alumni, and internal such as union on campus, to help in the growth of the institution.
According to him, he would not toy with staff welfare, development, empowerment discipline, peace and security- all for the growth and development of the institution. The Vice Chancellor therefore promised to carry all stakeholders along to achieve his objectives at all times as the core values of competence, integrity, transparency, meritocracy and accountability would always be his guiding principles. The highlight of the programme was questions and answers.