The Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, has appealed to Nigerians, for support to enable it to maintain its academic excellence.

The Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Prof. Samuel Asagba made the appeal on Tuesday during a media briefing at the university campus in Abraka Community, Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state.

The briefing was to formally announced the 18th convocation ceremony of the state- owned university.

Asagba said that DELSU had come of age, adding that the latest Times Higher Education Ranking placed the university as best State university in the country and 12th in the overall universities in Nigeria.

The Professor of Environmental Biochemistry and Toxicology said that the ranking implied the strong national and competitive positioning of the university.

The 8th substantive vice chancellor who assumed office on Dec. 1, 2024 said that great universities required collective effort and shared responsibility for excellence.

Highlighting some of his achievements since assumption of office, Asagba said that DELSU had established faculties of Environmental Sciences, Computing Sciences, Allied Health Sciences in line with global trends to equip students with future-ready skills.

The vice chancellor also said that his administration had completed strategic access road within six weeks, adding that 500-seater lecture theatre was ongoing.

“Faculty of Agriculture complex is in progress, renovation of lecture halls, labs, offices, repurposing of old library and high-speed fibre-optic internet across the campus.

“Establishment of 3rd Deputy Vice-Chancellor, procurement of over 1,000 modern computers system, stable school fee, promotions across cadres and expanded training opportunities and among others,” he said.

Asagba said that the digital transformation initiatives of the university had led to the efficient result processing system, “unified admissions and medical screening portal”.

He added that the improved digital system had also enhanced online payment systems.

Asagba appreciated the Delta State government for its strategic intervention in completing the Senate Building, prompt payment of staff salaries and medical allowances for (DELSUTH, Oghara).

He highlighted the strategic need of the university to include the development of a modern sports complex to develop talents and promote health and wellness community engagement.

He sought the collaboration of well meaning individuals and the university’s alumni in this regard to achieve the project.

Asagba further said that in line with global academic traditions, the university would present Honorary Doctorate Awards to three distinguished individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the society.

According to him, the Honourees are: “HRM, Enyi Odini (Ukwata I of Umukwata Kingdom), Dr Muhammadu Indimi, and Mrs Grace Aghoghovbia”.

Responding to questions from newsmen, Asagba urged the students to embrace the Nigerian Education Loan Fund

(NELFUND) to address their financial needs in the campus.

He also disclosed that the DELSU spent about N57 million on diesel monthly and over N50 million monthly on electricity bill.

Asagba said that the university was exploring other avenues to address the electricity challenges in the campus.

He, however, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to excellence through enhanced teaching, learning, research and innovation.