Vice Chancellor, Delta State University Abraka, Prof. Samuel O. Asagba
By Ejiro Nesisa
Delta State University Abraka held its 18th convocation ceremony for the graduates of 2024/2025 academic session. The Programme which took place on Saturday at site III of the campus was attended by people from all walks of life especially academics, top government functionaries, traditional rulers, among others.
In his address, Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori said education is the bed rock of sustainable development and social transformation as it empowers individuals, strengthens one’s vision and drives economic growth, hence, his administration is committed to supporting tertiary institutions in the state. His words:” As a government, we recognize the strategic importance of this sector (education) which we have remained committed to supporting our tertiary institutions through prompt payment of staff salaries, regular release of subvention and steady investment on infrastructure.”
L-R: The Vice Chancellor, DELSU, Prof. Samuel O. Asagba (3rd front row) and others at the ceremony on Saturday
According to Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said, though the state government bears the primary responsibility of funding the institutions across the state, the increasing demand for infrastructural development and academic expansion of the Universities requires a collective responsibility as the government can no longer bear the burden alone and seeks the collaboration of individuals, corporate organizations, Alumni and other stakeholders for the institutions to realise the objectives of teaching and learning for which they are established.
Governor Oborevwori charged the graduates not to hope for any automatic employment as it is no longer there, but be innovative and creative to enable them survive in this ever evolving and technology given economy and contribute their quota to the growth of the society. His words:” The tradition of automatic employment is no longer realistic. The modern economy rewards innovation, creativity and adaptability… The knowledge and values you have acquired here serve as a tool for personal advancement and societal impacts.”
Some of Traditional Rulers at the ceremony on Saturday
Governor Oborevwori thanked the Governing Council of the institution, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Asagba, Principal Officers for their strategic planning and administration and of course, the entire students for the substance of the culture of academic excellence. While Governor Oborevwori congratulated the students for their successful graduation, he thanked their parents/ guidance for supporting their children that made their graduation a success.
Earlier in his address, the Vice Chancellor, Delta State University Abraka, Prof. Samuel O. Asagba said, the institution has grown to the envy of many institutions in the country. According to him, among other things, in the drive toward digital transformation, it has improved on its Information and Communications Technology (ICT) with the employment of skilled personnel to man this area, introduced unified portal system to manage admission, medical screening, strengthening of its online payments, certificate/ transcript collection for graduates, among others.
His words:” Collectively, these initiatives have streamlined administrative processes, improved the quality and speed of service delivery, eliminated certificate/ transcript racketing and elevated the University’s profile.” Prof. Asagba also hinted that new faculties and academic programme have been established to address the emerging trends in education sector. According to him, the faculties include that of environmental sciences, computing science, among others.
He said, as it stands, the institution has come of age as shown in 2025 Times Higher Education Ranking which has put the University as the best state university in the country, the best state university in the South-East and South-South geopolitical zone among the federal, state and private universities and 12th university in Nigeria – a feat that has put DELSU on irresistible pedestal in the comity of universities in Nigeria.
While expressing gratitude to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for his assistance which has made it achieve these feats, Prof. Asagba, however, appealed for more financial assistance especially in the area of security, power supply, salary augmentation, payment of adhoc staff, among others. The VC expressed gratitude to traditional Rulers, especially their Chairman, HRM Major Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd),Orhue I, CFR, mni, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and other stakeholders for their support which has made the institution achieve its remarkable feat.
The ceremony which convocated a total number of 7043 graduates for 2024/2025 academic session, climaxed with Honours bestowed on personalities who include: HRM Enyi Friday Odini The Ukwata of Umukwata Kingdom, Dr. Muhammed Indimi, OFR and Olorogun (Mrs) Grace Aghoghovbia, among others, for their various achievements and contributions to the humanity.