PROFESSOR SAMUEL OGHENEOVO ASAGBA: A VICE CHANCELLOR WITH AN EYE FOR DETAILS, BY DANNY KEMS

Well known for his steadfast adherence to principles and thorough leadership, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba stands very tall as a man of great moral rectitude. His style of leadership has distinguished him as a hardworking and an upright Nigerian.

Naturally zealous about development, the current Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka comes across clearly as a competent hand that would not back away from a public interest policy. Perhaps, the most fascinating part of Asagba is that he is a reformer.

A highly accomplished scholar, biochemist, and academic leader, Asagba’s career reflects a lifelong dedication to excellence in research, education, and institutional development.

The seasoned academic with over three decades of experience in teaching, research, and university administration began his academic career at the Delta State University, where he steadily rose through the ranks, holding several strategic positions including: Head of Department of Biochemistry, Dean of Faculty of Science, and Chairman of numerous university committees.

His appointment as the Vice-Chancellor of the Delta State University, Abraka was not only a testament to his outstanding academic credentials but also a groundbreaking moment. His leadership ushered in a new era of innovation, inclusion, and academic excellence at Delsu.

Professor Asagba has made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry, with particular focus on Toxicology. He also authored several personal and peer-reviewed publications, many of which appear in reputable international journals. His research work has been instrumental to the advancement of knowledge in health and nutritional sciences, and his academic excellence and leadership have earned him several professional honors.

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A member of numerous national and international academic bodies and a reviewer and editorial board member for several scientific journals, Professor Asagba since assuming office as Vice Chancellor of Delsu has emphasized innovation, gender equity, research-driven education, university industry collaboration, Infrastructure development and digital transformation.

This devoted and resilient Vice-Chancellor has prioritized institutional expansion and modernization, establishing two groundbreaking faculties to meet emerging academic demands. The Faculty of Health Sciences now encompasses Pharmacology, Nursing, Public Health, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Physiotherapy, and Optometry, while the Faculty of Environmental Sciences resuscitated from the defunct Asaba campus includes Surveying, Estate Management, Geography and Regional Planning, Architecture and Building programs.

Further unbundling initiatives have elevated specialized disciplines: Computer Science has evolved into the stand-alone Faculty of Computing, and the Department of Mass Communication has been separated from the Faculty of Social Sciences to form the new Faculty of Communication and Media Studies. This faculty now offers diverse programs such as Public Relations, Advertising, Mass Communication, Film and Multimedia Studies, Broadcasting, Journalism and Media Studies.

Prof. Asagba’s achievements extend to creating three new faculties overall; Environmental Sciences, Computing, and Allied Health Sciences fostering a more dynamic and interdisciplinary academic environment.

Infrastructure development stands as a cornerstone of his administration. Key projects include the construction of an access road linking the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (BMS) and the Faculty of Arts. The ongoing construction of the Faculty of Agriculture building addresses long-standing challenges.

Since relocating from Asaba, the faculty has relied on the old College of Education structure. “We have started the Faculty of Agriculture structure,” Prof. Asagba noted. “As more money comes in, I hope to finish it within two months. It’s a complex of two- or three-story buildings.”

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Other vital upgrades include the reconstruction of an abandoned 500-capacity lecture theatre; renovation of the 750-capacity Lecture Halls A, B, C, and D, and refurbishment of the old Faculty of Pharmacy building.

At the Faculty of Clinical Sciences in Oghara, lecture halls have been renovated alongside the installation of fibre optic internet and a robust 24-hour server room to enhance research connectivity.

Power reliability has been strengthened at the ICT centre in Site II with an upgraded server room featuring a 15KVA inverter and 32 panels for constant supply. Additionally, there has been procurement of office equipment and furniture for the current accreditation exercise, ensuring seamless operations across lecture halls and administrative offices. His tenure so far has been marked with efforts to deepen Delsu’s global partnerships while improving internal systems, staff welfare, and student development.

Asagba is also known for his meticulous planning. Those who have worked with him echo his reputation for reading memos word by word—ensuring every line counts. This is not just a formality; it’s the mark of a leader committed to effective administration.

As Professor Samuel Asagba marks his first year in office, he continues to represent the pinnacle of intellectual brilliance, visionary leadership, and gender progress in Nigeria’s academic space.

As Vice-Chancellor of Delsu, he is not only shaping the future of science and technology education but also inspiring a new generation of leadership.

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His story is one of dedication, excellence, and breaking barriers; and his legacy will continue to influence the Nigerian academic community for years to come.

Danny Kems Is An Executive Director In The Forum For Credible Election And Good Governance In Africa. He Writes From Warri, Delta State.