Abraka Metro

DELSU Agricultural Farm Boosts Practical Learning Despite Operational Challenges

Published

4 hours ago

July 22, 2026

By Marvellous Obinwanne

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Teaching and Research Farm at Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, continues to play a significant role in providing practical agricultural training for students despite facing several operational challenges affecting its activities.

Located at Site II of the university, the farm serves as a practical learning centre where students studying Agriculture-related courses are exposed to hands-on experience in fish farming, aquaculture and crop production. The practical exercises organised at the farm complement classroom teaching by giving students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life agricultural practices.

During separate visits to the farm, this reporter observed fish ponds, cultivated farmland and other facilities used for teaching and research. Although the environment appeared quiet on arrival during one of the visits, it later became clear that maintenance activities were ongoing and that the farm remained active in supporting students’ practical learning.

Speaking during the visit, one of the farm workers, Davison, popularly known as “Oracle,” explained that the aquaculture section of the farm contains different species of fish, including Clarias (African giant catfish), Red Tilapia and Grass Carp.

According to him, the farm provides practical training for students from different departments within the Faculty of Agriculture.

“We organise practical sessions for students regularly. They participate in fish farming and crop production so they can understand what they are taught in class better,” he said.

Davison explained that practical training equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in agriculture after graduation. He added that exposing students to practical work also encourages them to become self-reliant and develop interest in commercial farming.

Another worker at the farm, Ovirirri, identified inadequate manpower, unstable electricity supply, lack of modern machinery and insufficient funding as some of the major challenges affecting the farm.

He explained that electricity is particularly important because water must be pumped regularly into the fish ponds to maintain healthy conditions for fish production.

“The work is stressful because there are only a few workers. We also need more machinery, stable electricity and increased funding to improve our work,” he said.

Ovirirri added that improved facilities would enable workers to carry out their responsibilities more effectively while creating a better learning environment for students.

During another visit to the farm, another worker identified as Emeka also highlighted the challenge of maintaining the farm during the rainy season.

According to him, weeds grow rapidly after clearing, making it necessary to use herbicides and other farm chemicals regularly.

“After clearing the farm during the rainy season, weeds grow back within a short time. We need more chemicals to maintain the farm properly,” he said.

Emeka added that despite the challenges facing the farm, he remains committed to his work because it provides him with a source of livelihood while contributing to students’ practical education.

Students who use the farm for practical exercises also described it as an important part of their academic programme.

A 200-level Fisheries student, Echosure Michael, said agriculture provides students with opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship.

According to him, the practical knowledge gained from the university farm can help students establish fish farming businesses even before graduation.

“Agriculture is a good course because it gives students the opportunity to become independent. Even while in school, someone can start a fish pond business and earn money. The practicals also help us understand farming better,” he said.

He added that practical classes are usually held on Wednesdays and require dedication, commitment and physical effort.

Although the practical sessions can be demanding, he noted that they expose students to real farming activities and prepare them for future employment in the agricultural sector.

Similarly, a 400-level Agriculture student, Chukwuma Manasseh ,described the university farm as one of the most important practical facilities for students in the Faculty of Agriculture.

He explained that regular practical sessions have helped students understand farming beyond classroom lectures by exposing them to the realities of agricultural production.

“We come here regularly for practicals. The experience has helped us understand farming beyond what we learn in class because we carry out the work ourselves,” he said.

He further appealed for greater support for agricultural education, stressing that practical learning is essential for producing graduates capable of contributing to food production and national development.

During both visits, this reporter observed that the fish ponds were properly arranged while different sections of the farm were being maintained despite the limited number of workers available. Some areas had already been cleared, while weeds had begun growing again in other sections due to the rainy season.

The farm environment also reflected its importance as a teaching and research facility where students gain practical knowledge through direct participation in agricultural activities. Workers and students interviewed expressed optimism that improved facilities would enhance both learning and productivity.

Findings from the visits indicate that the farm would benefit from increased manpower, improved electricity supply, modern machinery, adequate farm chemicals and increased funding. Addressing these challenges would strengthen practical learning, improve agricultural production and create a more conducive environment for teaching and research.

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Teaching and Research Farm remains one of Delta State University’s most valuable practical learning facilities. With improved support from the university and relevant stakeholders, the farm can continue to equip students with practical knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to agricultural development and food security in Nigeria.

Related Topics:ABRAKA AGRICULTURE IN ABRAKA DELSU FARMING

Up Next

Epileptic Power Supply Plagues DELSU Campus 1 Printing Press, Student Interns Speak Out

Don't Miss

Delta Court Jails Neighbor 12 Years For Raping 11-Year-Old Girl

Click to comment

Abraka Metro

DELSU Photo Festival Season 2 Celebrates Creativity Despite Heavy Rainfall

Published

3 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Austin Olayinka

By Blessing Alumona and Miracle Akpoyovwvayire

The second edition of the DELSU Photo Festival was held on July 17, 2026, in front of the university Sports Complex. Although the programme was originally scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., persistent rainfall delayed the event until about 2:00 p.m. A large canopy was provided to shield participants from the rain, while lively music entertained students as they arrived at the venue.

The event opened on a cheerful note with comedy and light-hearted remarks by Professor Odion Odiboh, creating an exciting atmosphere despite the weather. This was followed by the official opening address delivered by Comrade Regina Egbiamiye, President of the Department of Journalism. After her remarks, the pageantry segment commenced, with contestants representing the Departments of Mass Communication, Journalism, and Broadcasting showcasing their confidence and creativity. At the same time, judges assessed students’ photography projects while music kept the audience entertained.

One of the highlights of the festival was an interactive question-and-answer session that actively involved students and kept the audience engaged. Student union representatives, departmental executives, lecturers, and students participated throughout the programme, contributing to its lively and memorable atmosphere.

Speaking after the event, Faith Ogbotor, a 200-level Journalism student, described the festival as enjoyable and memorable. She said that although the heavy rainfall affected the programme, it did not prevent participants from having a rewarding experience.

Another participant, Tejiri Mathias, a Mass Communication student, also commended the event but expressed concerns about what he described as partiality during some of the games. He suggested that improvements could be made in future editions to ensure fairness.

The festival concluded with the announcement of winners from the three departments. Four students emerged as winners from the Department of Broadcasting, twelve from the Department of Journalism, and twenty-two from the Department of Mass Communication. Each department also selected three overall outstanding winners through a voting process, and the successful participants received awards in recognition of their performances.

The celebration ended with music, dancing, and the distribution of refreshments to students, lecturers, and student executives. The joyful atmosphere and shared moments of celebration brought the 2026 DELSU Photo Festival Season 2 to a successful and memorable conclusion for everyone in attendance.

Abraka Metro

DELSU Student Collapses in Overcrowded Library During MIA Examination

Published

3 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Austin Olayinka

By Sajini Angela

A female student of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, was rushed to the hospital after collapsing at the university library during the ongoing MIA examination.

According to students at the scene, the incident was linked to intense heat and overcrowding in the library. This reporter witnessed the student being carried out of the library and rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

Speaking with this reporter, a Mass Communication student, Monday Akubeze, who witnessed the incident, said:

“It was on Thursday afternoon when I went to the library to read that the incident happened. A girl who had an MIA examination to write suddenly collapsed and started gasping for air. It was later discovered that she fainted because the place was overcrowded and poorly ventilated. There were many students waiting to sit for the examination in the hall, but there was no fan or air conditioner to reduce the heat.”

The incident has renewed concerns about poor ventilation and crowd management in examination venues as the MIA examinations continue.

Students have also called on the university authorities to improve ventilation in examination centres and ensure proper crowd control to prevent similar incidents. They urged fellow students to stay hydrated and step outside for fresh air if they begin to feel weak, especially in crowded environments.

Abraka Metro

Youths In Abraka Call For Greater Political Participation

Published

3 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Austin Olayinka

By Purity Enumah

Youth leaders and activists in Abraka have called for increased youth participation in politics, emphasising the need for young people to take active roles in governance and leadership rather than remain passive observers.

The call was made during interviews on the state of youth involvement in politics in Abraka, where participants highlighted both the progress made and the challenges that continue to hinder meaningful youth representation in the political process.

According to a youth leader, political awareness among young people in the community has improved significantly in recent years. He noted that more youths are attending political meetings, engaging in discussions on community development, and showing interest in leadership positions.

“We are seeing more young people becoming interested in politics than before. Many are now actively involved in conversations about governance and community issues. However, there is still room for improvement because some young people feel their voices are not adequately represented,” he said.

A youth activist attributed the growing interest to the influence of social media and increased civic awareness campaigns.

“Young people now have easier access to information about government policies and political developments. Campaigns encouraging voter registration and participation in decision-making processes have also motivated many youths to become more politically conscious,” the activist said.

Despite the growing enthusiasm, the interviewees identified several obstacles facing young people who wish to participate actively in politics. Among the challenges mentioned were limited access to leadership opportunities, financial constraints, and the dominance of older politicians within existing political structures.

“Many political platforms are still controlled by older generations, making it difficult for young people to secure leadership positions. Financial challenges and political intimidation also discourage many youths from getting involved,” the youth leader explained.

On the issue of generational leadership, the activists expressed confidence that Abraka is ready for greater youth representation in public office. They argued that young people possess the creativity, innovation, and energy needed to contribute meaningfully to governance and community development.

“Leadership should be based on competence, vision, and commitment to service. There are many capable young people in Abraka who can lead effectively if given the opportunity,” one of the activists said.

The youth representatives further urged government institutions and political parties to create more opportunities for young people by supporting leadership development programmes, civic education initiatives, and youth empowerment schemes.

They also encouraged political parties to provide platforms that would enable young candidates to contest elections and participate in decision-making processes.

In a message to fellow youths, the activists urged young people not to remain on the sidelines but to engage actively in political activities, register to vote, participate in community discussions, and hold elected officials accountable.

“Politics affects every aspect of our lives. The future of our communities depends on the willingness of young people to get involved and contribute to shaping the society they want to see,” they said.

The interviews reflect the growing conversation around youth participation in politics across Delta State, as calls for increased youth representation and inclusion in governance continue to gain momentum.