Pix: DELSU VC, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba,making a speech at the event.
By Ejiro Nesisa
The Vice Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, has announced plans to establish a Centre for Product Development and Research Commercialisation aimed at fostering practical, problem-solving research while boosting the university’s internally generated revenue and enhancing its global visibility.
Professor Asagba made this announcement during the 111th inaugural lecture of the University, titled “Biotechnology: From the Laboratory to the Factory,” delivered by Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the 750 Lecture Theatre A, Site III.
In a press statement signed Deputy Director of Ceremonial, information and Public Relations, Delta State University, Abraka, Dr. Ese Umukoro said Professor Asagba who underscored the vast economic potential of biotechnology if fully harnessed said, the proposed Centre would be led by Professor Kporhuarho Anigboro, a biotechnology researcher at DELSU and a mentee of the inaugural lecturer. The Vice Chancellor, who Chaired the occasion also assured that the Centre would receive adequate funding and pledged to implement key recommendations made during the lecture.
The Inaugural Lecturer, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, delivering his lecture at the event.
Earlier in his inaugural lecture, Professor Tonukari underscored the transformative potential of biotechnology in national development which, according to him, has the capacity to provide economic empowerment for lecturers and researchers who can effectively leverage its opportunities. In his thought provoking questions, he (Professor Tonukari) found out, to what the extent, Nigerian lecturers have contributed in developing products that address societal challenges and the research outputs carried out, have translated into financial gains for the economy through commercialization.
According to him, there is apparently lack of returns on the substantial investments in research by the government and other funding partners just as he lamented that research efforts in Nigeria often fail to translate into impactful outcomes and therefore, challenged academics and researchers to prioritize commercially viable research that benefits both individuals in particular and the nation at large.
The Visitor to Delta State University and Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori urged researchers to explore the vast opportunities in biotechnology for national development. While commending the intellectual depth of the inaugural lecturer, the Governor emphasized the need for academics to leverage biotechnology for innovation and economic growth. Governor Oborevwori who was represented by his Chief Strategist, Dr. Festus Okubor, also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the University in its research and development efforts.
The climax of the occasion was the decoration of Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari with the distinguished medal of inaugural lecturer of the University by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Asagba, musical rendition by the Department of Music, photo session of the Inaugural Lecturer with principal officers of the University as well as with family and friends.
Pix: DELSU VC, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, decorating the Inaugural Lecturer, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari with distinguished medal at the event.
Dignitaries present at the inaugural lecture included: Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Rose Okoh, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Hilary Owamah, Provost of Oleh Campus, Professor Elo Ibagere, Registrar of the University, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio, the University Bursar, Mrs Otimeyin Ekakitie-Omajuwa, the University Librarian, Dr. Josephine Eruterio Onohwakpor, Provosts, Deans, Directors, staff and students of the university.
Others were: His Royal Majesty, Ogurimerime Ukori I, The Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, Mike Omeru, Former Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Eric Arubayi and his wife, Professor Diana Arubayi (Rtd), Former Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Victor Peretomode and his wife, Dr (Mrs) Otaroghene Peretomode, Chairman of Governing Council of Dennis Osadebey University, Asaba, Professor Robert Ikomi, Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe- Oghara, Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, Rector of Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu, Professor James Okoro, friends and family members of the inaugural lecturer.