By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Professor Samuel Asagba, has reaffirmed his commitment to transforming the institution into a fully information and communication technology (ICT)-driven university.
He made the vow during an interactive session with journalists on Monday at the University Campus 3 to mark his one year in office.
The VC, his wife (left) and other principal staffs
He noted that the future of quality education rests on digital systems that promote efficiency, transparency and global competitiveness.
Prof Asagba said the university had already begun a major technological shift, with systems being upgraded to ensure that academic and administrative activities run seamlessly.
He stressed that DELSU was redesigning its operations to align with global digital standards, insisting that technology must drive teaching, learning and institutional management.
Cross section of journalists and other stakeholders
He explained that the university had embarked on significant ICT upgrades, including the development of a new result engine, recruitment of programmers and the redesign of the institution’s data management structure.
He added that online screening for new students had been introduced, while staff records had been fully computerised to eliminate delays and errors.
According to him, DELSU had also merged the Directorate of ICT Development Centre with the ICT Unit to enhance coordination, streamline processes and expand the institution’s digital capacity.
The university’s portal was separated from its payment gateway to strengthen security, and several Computer-Based Test centres were upgraded across campuses.
In his words, the reforms were necessary to position DELSU for global relevance.
Professor Asagba and the awardees
“It is our responsibility to build a university that competes favourably anywhere in the world. That is why we have invested heavily in ICT. We now have a robust result engine, upgraded CBT centres with hundreds of systems, computerised staff records and a new integrated portal system. These changes will make our processes faster, more transparent and student-friendly,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor said the ambition extended beyond digital reforms, noting that the university had also recorded impressive academic stability.
While responding to a question relating to universities, he urged the Federal Government to engage meaningfully with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to prevent further disruption in the education sector.
He said DELSU had not gone on strike for a decade, adding that the uninterrupted academic calendar enabled his daughter to graduate within three and a half years.
“The Federal Government ought to do something very fast about its agreement with ASUU. Salaries should not be adjusted only when lecturers cry out.
Professor Asagba presenting an award to one of the recipients
“These things can be done seamlessly every four years. At a time, professors earned the same as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. Today, lecturers suffer before they are listened to, which is not good enough,” he stated.
Prof Asagba also disclosed that DELSU may review its certificate collection fees, insisting that no fewer than 50,000 certificates remain unclaimed for years.
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He noted that the university intended to publish the names of certificate owners in four national newspapers and courier the documents directly to graduates upon request.
On campus safety, the VC said security had improved substantially following the appointment of a retired senior police officer as Chief Security Adviser and the installation of CCTV surveillance systems in strategic locations.
He added that the university procured motorcycles for night patrols and approved a 50 per cent salary increase for contractor-engaged security personnel from January.
He further highlighted the extensive infrastructural development achieved under his leadership.
He cited the construction of a new road linking Basic Medical Sciences to the Faculty of Arts within six weeks, the ongoing renovation of a 500-seater theatre and the progress made on the Faculty of Agriculture complex, which had reached the DPC level.
He said several halls, laboratories and offices had been refurbished, while fibre-optic internet now supported academic and administrative activities.
The VC said the university had equally invested in equipment repairs, procurement of new laptops, desktops and office furniture, as well as the creation of more office spaces in the Faculties of Science and Pharmacy and the old library building.
VC presenting awards to rev me
Prof Asagba noted that DELSU was gaining international visibility, announcing collaborations with the Hangzhou International Innovation Institute of Beihang University, China, and the appointment of foreign-based virtual lecturers.
“Times Higher Education has ranked DELSU as the best state university in Nigeria, the best in the South-South and South-East regions, and the twelfth nationally for 2026. These recognitions show that our efforts are paying off,” he added.
He also said the university was strengthening its maintenance culture, noting that classrooms would now be locked after lectures, while a few would be designated for night reading to ensure facilities were preserved.
He emphasised that broken furniture and equipment would be fixed immediately to prevent deterioration.
The ceremony also featured awards for excellence presented to deserving staff members.
Prof Asagba was honoured with a painted portrait by staff members from Okpe, while administrative heads, deans, heads of departments, students and well-wishers were present at the event.
To show their love for the achievements of the VC, students of the Theatre Arts Department staged a play mimicking and eulogising him.
To add colour to the ceremony, students of the Music Department also rendered beautiful songs including Christmas carols to reflect the season.
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