Abraka Metro
Institutional Accountability: DELSU Town Hall Addresses Project Bottlenecks, Grading Disputes, And Police Extortion
By Doye Ekpebimoh
University officials, student leaders, and security authorities addressed pressing concerns over academic accountability, student welfare, and police conduct during a virtual town hall meeting held on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
The forum, titled “Students Palava,” was organized by the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Delta State University (DELSU) Students’ Union Government (SUG). Held via Google Meet, the interactive session was designed to bridge the communication gap between students and university management by allowing undergraduates to raise concerns directly before school officials and invited guests.
The event featured the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Abraka Police Station, CSP Kolo Musa Dauda; officials of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), including Dr. Comrade Onovughegor Augustine; and other student leaders. The discussion was moderated by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the SUG, Barr. Comr. Ojei Emmanuel, who presented questions submitted both anonymously and during the live session.
A major issue discussed was the delay experienced by final-year students carrying out research projects due to unavailable supervisors. Responding to an anonymous complaint from a Biotechnology student, Dr. Comrade Onovughegor Augustine, Director of Health of NANS, described the situation as unacceptable and urged students not to remain silent whenever they encounter such challenges.
According to Dr. Augustine, students whose supervisors fail to respond within a reasonable period should report the matter through the university’s official channels by contacting their Level Staff Adviser or Head of Department (HOD). He explained that these offices exist to resolve academic issues promptly and ensure that unnecessary delays do not affect students’ graduation.
The NANS official also emphasized the importance of following proper administrative procedures when seeking justice. To illustrate this, he cited a case in which a student’s academic result was successfully reviewed after the intervention of the Vice-Chancellor and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).
According to him, the student’s faculty had initially insisted that the disputed grade could not be changed. However, after the matter was officially presented to the university management, a fresh computation of the result was ordered. The review later corrected the student’s score from a failing grade to a ‘B’.
Augustine urged students to become familiar with official letter-writing procedures, noting that well-written and properly addressed complaints remain one of the most effective ways of resolving academic disputes within the institution.
Another significant issue raised during the forum was the fear of victimization by lecturers. A student identified as Kayode questioned whether students who report lecturers could still be subjected to unfair treatment even after receiving justice from the university.
Responding to the concern, the Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor on Student Engagement assured students that the university has measures in place to protect anyone who files a genuine complaint against a lecturer.
He disclosed that once the Vice-Chancellor becomes aware of such a complaint, the student’s academic progress is closely monitored to prevent any form of retaliatory grading or victimization. He further encouraged students to remain committed to their studies while making use of the institution’s established grievance procedures whenever conflicts arise.
Responding directly, Dr. Comrade Onovughegor Augustine delivered an impassioned defence of student rights, using his own academic history at DELSU as an example. He revealed that despite receiving 17 official queries from the Vice-Chancellor’s office during his time as an outspoken student, he was never penalized because he prioritized his studies, maintaining a 5.0 CGPA in his first year.
“If you know that you have written well, no lecturer can fail you. If you read your book and you know your stuff, leave the rest,” he stated.
The Special Adviser also reminded students that university authorities are prepared to defend students’ rights but would not support acts of indiscipline or disrespect toward lecturers and other members of staff.
Highlighting the administration’s accessibility, Dr. Augustine noted that he had contacted the Vice-Chancellor more than seven times that day alone to resolve individual student grievances covering lecturer-student conflicts, management issues, and peer disputes. He concluded by reminding students that while his office and student leaders would defend students’ academic rights, they would not shield students who engage in misconduct or insult lecturers.
The discussion later shifted to security issues affecting students outside the university campus. Barr. Comr. Ojei Emmanuel presented an anonymous complaint alleging that a police officer demanded money from a student near the university’s main gate despite the student committing no offence.
Responding to the allegation, the Divisional Police Officer of Abraka Police Station, CSP Kolo Musa Dauda, strongly condemned every form of police harassment, intimidation, and extortion directed at students or other members of the public.
He warned that any officer found abusing the authority of the police uniform would face disciplinary measures.
“Any policeman that is found doing that to any civilian, most especially students, or trying to oppress him because of that uniform… I will deal with that person,” Dauda said.
The DPO also used the opportunity to educate students on their legal rights during encounters with law enforcement officers. He explained that police officers carrying out routine roadside checks do not have the legal authority to conduct arbitrary searches of students’ mobile phones.
According to him, phone examinations are only permitted during formal investigations conducted at the police station and must follow established legal procedures. He explained that under such circumstances, the owner of the phone remains present throughout the process while the investigation is properly documented to ensure transparency.
Dauda advised students to remain calm and respectful whenever they interact with police officers while also reporting any misconduct through the appropriate channels rather than taking the law into their own hands.
Throughout the town hall, speakers repeatedly stressed the importance of dialogue between students, university management, and security agencies in promoting transparency, accountability, and mutual understanding within the university community.
Closing the programme, Barr. Comr. Ojei Emmanuel thanked participants for their contributions and described the forum as the first in a series of engagements aimed at educating students on their academic rights, responsibilities, and available channels for resolving grievances.
He encouraged undergraduates to continue participating in future editions of the programme by asking questions and reporting issues affecting their welfare and academic progress.
The virtual town hall ended with renewed commitments from university officials, student leaders, and the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen communication, improve institutional accountability, and promote a safer and more responsive learning environment for students of Delta State University, Abraka.
A former Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Victor Peretomode, has proposed a tripartite governance model to sustain excellence in the institution.
Peretomode proposed the model at DELSU’s 12th valedictory lecture held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the university’s 750 Lecture Theatre, Site III.
The lecture was titled, “DELSU and the Burden of Expectation: The Challenges of Being Delta State’s Premier University and Rethinking Governance for Sustainable Excellence.”
He said as the state’s premier university, DELSU carries triple burdens — aspirational, political and operational — which translate into expectations such as expanding access to university education for Deltans, accommodating qualified indigenes, advancing state-specific development priorities and producing morally sound and employable graduates.
READ ALSO: DELSU Exam Monitors Apprehend Student With Allegedly Stolen Phones, Wig
Peretomode, a Professor of Educational Administration and Higher Education, said the challenges could be addressed through his proposed “Peretomode Tripartite Model of Governance for Sustainable Excellence,” anchored on three pillars: Leadership Integrity, Funding Predictability and Quality Assurance.
He observed that DELSU has come far, but its journey is far from complete, adding that the burden of expectation it carries is not a weight to be feared, but a responsibility to be fulfilled.
In his remarks, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Visitor to the university, described Peretomode as an academic who contributed immensely to the development of university education in the state.
Oborevwori, who was represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, said the state would still need Peretomode’s wealth of experience as he bows out of service and assured of continued support for DELSU.
On his part, the Vice-Chancellor of DELSU, Prof. Samuel Asagba, lauded Peretomode’s achievements as former VC, noting that his policies, though considered harsh at the time, have placed the university in its present enviable state.
Asagba wished the valedictory lecturer the best in his future endeavours.
Highlights of the event included the launch of two books authored by the valedictory lecturer and a musical rendition by the Department of Music.
Peretomode joined DELSU in 1992 as Senior Lecturer in the Department of Educational Management and Foundations, became a Professor in 1996 and served as its 7th substantive Vice-Chancellor from 2014 to 2019.
The lecture was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of University of Delta, Agbor, Prof. Eric Eboh, Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, DELSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Edmund Atakpo, DELSU Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Hilary Owamah, DELSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Douglasson Omotor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Delta, Agbor, Prof. Patrick Ijeh, Provost of Oleh Campus, Prof. Augustine Atonuje, DELSU Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio, DELSU Bursar, Mrs Otimeyin Ekakitie-Omajuwa, DELSU Librarian, Dr Josephine Onohwakpor, Provosts, Deans, Directors, staff and students of the university.
Also in attendance were the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, Rector, Delta State Marine Polytechnic, Burutu, Prof. Emmanuel Okoro, Delta business tycoon, Chief Tunde Smooth, Executive Director of Project, DESOPADEC, Chief (Dr) Ebenezer Okorodudu, former DELSU Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, former Dennis Osadebey University Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Robert Ikomi, members of DELSU College of Chaplains, friends and family members of the valedictory lecturer, including his wife, Dr (Mrs) Otaroghene Peretomode.
The release comes barely 24 hours after the state-owned institution released its first batch of admission for the incoming session.
By Ese Umukoro
The serene community of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka was thrown into mourning on Friday, 28th August, 2026, as the remains of Late Prof. Emmanuel Oghenebrorien Akarah, popularly known as, Don Spino, was committed to mother earth.
Speaking during the commendation service at Atscan Hall, Site II of the University, the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Prof. Samuel Asagba, lamented that he received the sad news of the demise of the deceased on 8th of May, 2026 as a rude shock.
Asagba recalled the personal memories he shared with Akarah as a friend, eulogising his forthrightness, outspokenness and doggedness.
He stated that Don Spino contributed his quota to the growth of the University in different capacities since he was employed into the services of DELSU, adding that his legacy would not be forgotten in the history of DELSU because of his impact on both staff and students.
The Vice Chancellor thereafter led the University community to observe a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased.
READ ALSO: Students Adjust To Portal Upgrade Under DELSU VC Administration
In his commendation earlier, the Head of Department of Human Kinetics, Recreation and Sports Science, Prof. Ochuko Nabofa, eulogised Don Spino, calling him a colleague, a friend, a scholarly collaborator and ultimately an in-law.
Nabofa recollected how himself and the late Don Spino shared ideas, challenged each other intellectually and worked together in the pursuit of knowledge.
Nabofa concluded that Don Spino’s death has left a void in the Department of Human Kinetics, Recreation and Sports Science, in DELSU and in the lives of those who knew him.
He said the bond was further strengthened when in February this year, Don Spino’s cousin, Hon. (Double Chief) Godday Ewenuvie, got married to his younger sister whom he raised as a daughter, thus making them in-laws.
In her oration, the Dean of Faculty of Education, Prof. Florence Ugorji, said Don Spino was a man of the people whose life impacted positively on all who came across him.
Represented by Prof. Canice Ikeorji, the Dean further lamented that the deceased was an asset to the faculty and prayed for the repose of his soul.
Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU-DELSU), Comrade Paul Opone, bemoaned the loss of Don Spino.
In his tributes, Opone recalled the contributions of Don Spino during congresses and how he fought for the Union during its period of crisis.
The union Chairman stated that the passing of Don Spino was a challenge to him and the Union as it would be difficult to get his replacement.
Opone thereafter led members of the Union in singing the solidarity song for a fallen comrade.
The commendation service also witnessed the filing past the casket of Don Spino led by the Vice Chancellor before the remains of Don Spino were taken to Uruekpo Quarters in Evwreni kingdom for interment.
Late Professor Emmanuel Oghenebrorien Akarah joined the services of DELSU in 1995 as Graduate Assistant and rose to the rank of Professor in 2021.
Earlier, a Service of Songs in his honour was held at the DELSU’s Sports Complex on Wednesday, 26th August, 2026.
Dignitaries present at the commendation service included the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Edmund Atakpo, the University Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio, represented by Mr Emmanuel Okoro, the University Librarian, Dr (Mrs) Josephine Onohwakpor, Director of Ceremonials, Information and Public Relations, Prof. Enajite Ojaruega, Chairman of ASUU-DELSU, Comrade Paul Opone, Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments, the University Public Relations Officer, Mr Henry Eseka, family members of the deceased, Professors, staff, students, and others from within and outside the university community.
Those present during the funeral at Evwreni kingdom included the Vice Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Edmund Atakpo, immediate past Provost of Oleh campus, Prof. Elo Ibagere, Directors including the Director of Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CES), Prof. Onoriode Emoyan, Deans of Faculties including the Dean of Arts Faculty, Prof. Nelson Edewor, Heads of Departments, politicians, business moguls, friends, family members of Don Spino and other mourners.
By God’stime Oyeh
An accident involving a GLK 350 and a commercial motorcyclist happened around 11:30 a.m., reportedly after a case of wrong-lane driving.
According to eyewitnesses, the motorcyclist, popularly known as an “Aboki” bikeman, was coming from the Campus 2 area when he was allegedly hit by the GLK 350 car.
The little damage to the car caused some tension at the scene as both parties tried to explain what happened.
Eyewitnesses said the motorcyclist seemed to be at a disadvantage during the confrontation with the car driver- who was clearly trying to oppress the motorcyclist which led vigilantes and other bystanders to step in and calm things down before it got out of hand.
Things reportedly got more heated when some area boys arrived and tried to help settle the issue. The GLK 350 driver defended himself and shared his version of events, but some witnesses felt his explanation didn’t quite match what they saw happen.
As arguments continued and tempers rose,and with the car driver still wanting to oppress the motorcyclist, the Vigilantes took it upon themselves to caution him since he wasn’t trying to make peace…the matter was eventually taken to the police station for proper investigation and resolution.
-
Education2 months agoBreaking: DELSU Postpones Second Semester Examinations. See New Date
-
Education3 months agoDELSU Announces Admission Into New Diploma Programmes For 2026/2027 Academic Session
-
Views Point3 months agoOPINION: Agriculture, Nigeria’s Fading Goldmine
-
Abraka Metro3 months agoExperts Urge Students To Embrace AI With Open Hearts
-
Education2 months agoBreaking: DELSU Bans “Sign Out” Parties, Threatens 2-Semester Rustication For Violators
-
Education3 months ago28-Years-Old Man Swindles JUPEB Students, Diverts N15 Million School Fees
-
Education2 months agoDELSU Begins Postgraduate Admission for 2026/2027 Academic Session
-
Entertainment3 months agoWorld Cup 2026: US-Iran Tensions, Local Travel Hurdles, Global Friction Shape Fan Atmosphere
-
Abraka Metro3 months agoRising Cost Of Living Forces Abraka Students To Adopt Survival Strategies
-
Education2 months agoDELSU Exam Monitors Apprehend Student With Allegedly Stolen Phones, Wig
-
Abraka Metro3 months agoDELSU SUG Tackles Academic Decline with ‘CGPA Recovery Initiative’ for Junior Students
-
Abraka Metro3 months agoRising House Rents Put Pressure on DELSU Students in Abraka
-
Abraka Metro2 months agoElozino Ogege: Lecturers React As Court Sentences Killers Of DELSU First-Class Student To Death
-
Education3 months agoChallenges Persist at DELSU Agricultural Farm Despite Student Training
-
Trending News3 months agoAbraka Residents Advocate Entrepreneurship, Warn Against Gambling Amid Economic Hardship
