DELSU VC, Prof. Samuel Asagba (2nd Left) flanked by other Principal Officers of the school while delivering his address during his one year in office
By Samuel Ogude
Vice Chancellor, Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba said, he is poised to position the institution as a leading University for academic excellence, impactful research, innovation and transform it through high quality education and sustainable development.
Prof. Asagba stated this on Monday while briefing Journalists in campus III of the Ivory Tower to mark his one year in office. According to him, on his assumption of office, he visited the various facilities including the health centre, engage directly with staff- which gave him an insight to shape institution’s future.
The Vice Chancellor, a Professor of 15 years of Biochemistry, who has served in various capacities in the institution among which, the Provost, Asaba Campus, former Dean, faculty of science, said, in order to pilot the school very well, he made key appointments among whom are two Deputy Vice Chancellors, New Heads of Departments, Directors of various units, among others. According to him, apart from funds conservation initiative by creating committees to monitor revenue to prevent its leakages, his administration has also embarked on direct labour and facilities maintenance which saw many of the dilapidated structures brought back for the good use of the students.
Prof. Asagba said, some of the milestones achievements include, the development of result engine for collation and processing of results, recruiting of more programmers, revamping of examination centres, among others. According to him, within one year of his administration, new courses such as Farm Management and Agricultural Extension have come to stay.
His words:” To enhance ICT infrastructure, the following initiatives were undertaken: development of result engine for collation and processing of results, merging of DIDC with ICT, computerization of results Online streaming process…” The Vice Chancellor said, infrastructural developments which include new road linking Basic Medical Sciences to Faculty of Arts, which was completed within six weeks, a 500- seater theatre- an ongoing renovation, facility of agricultural complex, among others.
On staff’s welfare, Prof. Asagba said, his administration has been able to promote twenty(22) academic staff who are professors, and seventeen(17) academic staff who are Assistant Professors while two hundred and sixty-seven(267) Senior Non- academic staff and thirty-one(31) Junior Non- academic staff have been promoted respectively, among other assistance in various areas. On students, Prof. Asagba said:” We have continued to sustain the current work-study programme for students, upgraded counseling services students, we have always carried along, the Student Union Executive in decision making through constant engagement and dialogue…”
The Vice Chancellor who said he was filled with joy, going by his administration’s performance for one year in office said:” As l reflect on my first year as Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, I am filled with gratitude and pride. “We have made significant strides in advancing our institution’s mission and l am confident that our momentum will continue”, he added. He therefore thanked staff and students and other stakeholders for their support which has made the institution grow to the level it is today.