L-R: The Vice Chancellor, Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Samuel Asagba(4th) flanked by top management staff during the press briefing
By Samuel Ogude
The Vice Chancellor, Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Samuel Asagba said, the institution has achieved a lot since he assumed office just as he said, it is poised for greater academic excellence . Prof. Asagba stated this on Tuesday while briefing the press at part of activities lined up for the 18th Convocation ceremony of the institution on Saturday.
The programme which took place at Faculty of Management Science Hall, Site III of the main campus, was attended by people from all walks of life especially academic community. According to Prof. Asagba, the institution has undergone academic expansion with the establishment of new facilities which include: environmental sciences, computer sciences, allied health science – with the goal of aligning with global trends and equipping the student’s future- ready skills to put food on their tables.
On Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development, Prof. Asagba said, the institution has embarked on digital transformation initiatives which paved way for efficient result processing system, unified admission and medical screening portal, enhanced online payment system, the upgrade of Computer Based Test Centre, and over 1,000 modern computers in the school – all to improve on efficiency and reduce malpractice in the institution.
Faces of persons present at press briefing on Tuesday
According to Prof Asagba, the institution has also grown in the area of infrastructure adding that, the school has completed strategic access road within six weeks, there is an ongoing construction of 500-seater lecture theatre, the construction of the faculty of agricultural complex which is in progress, renovation of lecture halls, laboratory, office and old library for senate’s use. On administrative reforms, the Vice Chancellor said:” Creation of Estate Directorate expansion, registry units, establishment of 3rd Deputy Vice Chancellor and introduction of SERVICOM office: outcome: improved governance and efficient service delivery.”
Prof. Asagba did not lose focus on the area of students’ development as the University has instituted entrepreneurial certificate programmes, the sustenance of work-study programmes, the enhancement of counseling service and of course, having a stable school fees – all to better the lots of the students. According to the Vice Chancellor, the institution has been able to support the students with improved complaints resolution strategy, expanded medical services for students and of course, the leadership development has been strengthened.
Faces of persons present at press briefing on Tuesday
In order to further put smiles on the faces of the students, the Prof. Asagba said, the institution has empowered the student Union Government (SUG) with a Sienna Wagon to enhance the body’s mobility and improved operations while on campus.
On staff welfare, the Vice Chancellor said, the institution has put modalities in place for the promotion of all cadres of staff of the organization just as he said, there is an expanded training opportunities, the support for post graduate tuition and of course, free annual medical screening for staff in the University- all to improve on the morale and productivity of the staff of the institution.
According to the Vice Chancellor whose speech was interjected with encomium from the participants especially students who graced the ceremony, the Ivory Tower is in partnership with other institutions in South Africa, Canada, China and United States of America – with the engagement of virtual International lecturers. He said, despite these achievements the institution has recorded so far, it still needs support in the area of modern sports complex as though, it came 4th in NUGA, as this would help in talent development, health and wellness and community development.
While appreciating the Delta State Government led by Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for the support of the institution in the completion of Senate building, prompt payment of salary and medical allowances ( DELSUTH, Oghara), Prof. Asagba said, the institution is faced with lots of challenges that require finance to solve. According to him, the institution needs to solve the challenges which that of security, power supply, accreditation, staff and the maintenance of infrastructure.
Faces of persons present at press briefing on Tuesday
Against this background, according to the Vice Chancellor, the institution is to embark on fundraising campaign which would involve the Alumni of the institution, philanthropists, and partnership – all aimed to support sports complex development. The Vice Chancellor therefore appealed for partnership from Nigerians especially Deltans as the University requires collective efforts and shared responsibilities to move the institution to greater heights.
The Vice Chancellor used the medium to inform the people that there would recognition of outstanding contribution to society of some personalities with award of honorary degree on His Royal Majesty, Enyi Friday Odini (Ukwata I of Umukwata Kingdom,Dr Mahammadu Indimi, OFR,Olorogun (Mrs) Grace Aghoghovbia and the conferment of Professor Emeritus on Prof. Patrick Igbigbi – to make them do more for humanity.
The Vice Chancellor who was flanked by top management staff of the institution in his address, promised to improve on the school to make it best in the comity of Universities.