By Emma Ogoigbe, Warri
Vice Chancellor (VC), Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, said he is poised to reposition the institution as a leading citadel for academic excellence, impactful research, and innovation.
Furthermore, he pledged to transform it through high quality education and sustainable development.
Professor Asagba stated these while briefing journalists in Campus III of the university to mark his one year in office.
According to him, on assumption of office, he undertook a tour of the school’s various facilities, including the health centre, and engaged directly with staff, explaining that this gave him an insight to shape the institution’s future.
The VC, a Biochemistry professor of 15 years’ standing and who had served in various capacities in the institution, among which are as Provost, Asaba Campus, former Dean, Faculty of Science, added that, in order to pilot the school’s affairs properly, he made key appointments, including those of two Deputy VCs, eew Heads of Departments, Directors of various units, and others.
This act helped stabilize his administration and got his era on the right footing.
According to him, apart from funds conservation initiative through the creation of committees to monitor revenue and plug leakages, his administration also embarked on direct labour and facilities maintenance –leading to restoration of several dilapidated structures for the benefit of students.
Prof. Asagba said, other milestones included the development of result engine for collation and processing of results; recruiting of more programmers; revamping of examination centres, and others.
He recalled that within a year of his administration, new courses such as Farm Management and Agricultural Extension were introduced into the university’s curriculum.
”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 VC said infrastructural developments such as construction of a new road linking Basic Medical Sciences to Faculty of Arts, completed within six weeks, a 500-seater theatre, an ongoing renovation, facility of agricultural complex, among others, feature prominently too in his accomplishments.
On staff welfare, Prof. Asagba said his administration has promoted 22 academic staff to Professors and 17 others to Assistant Professors while 267 senior non-academic staff and 31 junior non-academic staff have been promoted respectively.
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 VC, who said he was filled with joy over his administration’s performance in 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.”
*PHOTO CAPTION: Professor Asagba (with mic) at the media briefing.
