Why DELSU Appointed Foreign-based Virtual Lecturers — Prof Asagba

Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, has reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to transforming the institution into a beacon of academic excellence, impactful research, and sustainable development.

Prof. Asagba stated this while addressing newsmen on Monday to mark his one-year anniversary in office at a ceremony held at Campus II of the institution.

He said that the university is on a relentless path of progress, driven by innovative strategies and a focus on high-quality education.

The professor, who has served the university for over 15 years, stressed that his administration is poised to position the institution as a leading academic institution not only nationally but also on the global stage. 

“Our goal is clear: to build an institution renowned for excellence in scholarship, research, and community impact,” he declared.

Reflecting on the past year, Prof. Asagba revealed that he personally inspected university facilities, including the health centre, and engaged directly with staff.

“These interactions have provided critical insights to inform his strategic plans for the university’s future. I am committed to fostering an environment where staff and students thrive,” he stated.

A seasoned academic in biochemistry, Prof. Asagba has made strategic appointments—including two Deputy Vice Chancellors, new department heads, and directors—to streamline operations and foster institutional growth. 

“I also established the office of a third Deputy Vice Chancellor because we are due for it. This new office has been created to focus on promoting research excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We also established the SERVICOM office. This is necessitated by the need to improve our service delivery by promoting efficiency, transparency, and accountability. In addition, it provides a framework for our staff, students, and the public to demand and receive quality services,” he asserted.

His administration has prioritized financial accountability, establishing revenue monitoring committees to curb leakages and embarking on direct labour and facilities maintenance that revitalized many dilapidated structures across the campus.

Among his notable achievements, Prof. Asagba highlighted the development of a result engine for efficient processing and collation of academic results, the integration of ICT services, and the upgrade of examination centers. 

“We have also introduced new courses such as Farm Management and Agricultural Extension to diversify and strengthen our academic offerings,” he added.

He disclosed how he has internationalized the institution within his one year of assumption of office, saying that DELSU has entered into collaboration of several international institutions for exchange programs as well as having foreign-based virtual lecturers who are willing to offer their services pro bono.

“We’re in collaboration with Hangzhou International Innovation Institute of Beihang University, China. We also appointed some foreign-based virtual lecturers who were once students of this great institution. They are our alumni who are willing to give back to the institution as virtual lecturers.

Under his leadership, the university is currently collaborating with the following foreign-based universities to enhance research and teaching: Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University (FHS, NWU), South Africa. Carleton University (CARLETON), Canada. First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton, Georgia, USA.

He disclosed that the improvement of the institution’s global rankings from the assessment done by Times Higher Education for 2026 rated DELSU as the No. 1 state university in Nigeria and the best university in the south-south and south-east regions of Nigeria as well as the 12ᵗʰ best university in Nigeria.

Infrastructure development has been a key focus, with projects including a new road linking the Basic Medical Sciences complex to the Faculty of Arts—completed within six weeks—and the ongoing renovation of a 500-seater theatre. Other projects include the establishment of an agricultural complex, aimed at fostering practical learning and research.

Reeling out more of his achievements within one year, he said the upgrade of exam centers A and B at the Abraka site with over 600 systems was enhanced with new equipment with a minimum working capacity of 300 systems in each center, the upgrade of CBT center at Oleh campus with 200 systems, the Faculty of Law CBT center was enhanced with 100 systems, and the Faculty of Engineering CBT center was enhanced with over 100 systems.

On staff welfare, the vice chancellor proudly announced the promotion of 22 professors, 17 assistant professors, and hundreds of senior and junior non-academic staff, underscoring his administration’s commitment to rewarding excellence and dedication.

“We are investing in our human resources because they are the backbone of our success,” he affirmed.

Student welfare initiatives have also been prioritized, with ongoing improvements to work-study programs, counseling services, and continuous engagement with the Student Union Executive.

“We believe in inclusive decision-making, and students are vital partners in our development journey,” Prof. Asagba noted.

Expressing his satisfaction with the progress achieved, he said, “As I reflect on this first year, I am filled with gratitude and pride. We have made significant strides, and I am confident that our momentum will continue to grow.”

He extended heartfelt thanks to staff, students, and stakeholders for their unwavering support, which he credits as pivotal to the university’s current growth trajectory. “Together, we are building a stronger Delta State University,” he enthused.