Abraka Metro
Delta State Government Reaffirms Commitment To Completing DELSU Senate Building Project
By Ejikeme Favour
The Delta State Government has renewed its commitment to completing the long-abandoned Delta State University (DELSU) Senate Building, a project regarded as one of the institution’s most significant but unfinished infrastructure developments. The renewed pledge demonstrates the government’s determination to improve higher education facilities and strengthen administrative capacity within the state’s premier university.
The Senate Building project has remained incomplete for over two decades despite successive administrations making promises regarding its completion. The structure, originally intended to serve as the administrative headquarters of the university, has become a visible reminder of delayed public projects. Its completion is expected to provide a modern office complex for the Vice-Chancellor, principal officers, Senate chambers, and key administrative departments.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, through the Delta State Government, reaffirmed that the project remains a priority under his administration’s M.O.R.E. Agenda. The government announced steps to revive the project by revoking the previous contract and beginning a fresh procurement process to engage a competent contractor capable of delivering the building according to approved standards.
According to government officials, the decision followed concerns over the prolonged abandonment of the project and the need to ensure value for public funds. The administration stated that completing inherited projects remains one of its major policy objectives, particularly those directly affecting education and human capital development.
The project has been listed among priority infrastructure initiatives under the Ministry of Higher Education. Officials explained that transparent bidding procedures would ensure accountability while enabling the state to select a contractor with the technical competence and financial capacity required for timely completion.
The renewed commitment has generated positive reactions across the university community. Many staff members described the announcement as long overdue, noting that the absence of a completed Senate Building has affected administrative coordination over the years. They expressed optimism that the project would eventually improve institutional efficiency and create a more conducive working environment.
Students also welcomed the development. Several student leaders observed that although the building may primarily serve administrative purposes, its completion would contribute to the overall growth and image of the university. They argued that improved infrastructure reflects positively on the institution’s reputation and could attract greater investment in other academic facilities.
The Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University has previously emphasized the importance of completing the Senate Building, describing it as one of the institution’s most urgent infrastructure priorities. University management has consistently appealed to the Delta State Government to intervene, stressing that the building would significantly improve administrative operations and support the university’s continued expansion.
Political observers believe the decision carries broader significance beyond infrastructure development. The move reflects the government’s efforts to fulfil campaign promises and demonstrate accountability in the management of public projects. Reviving abandoned projects is widely viewed as an indication of continuity in governance and prudent management of public resources.
Education analysts have also praised the initiative, noting that universities require adequate administrative facilities to function effectively. Modern university governance depends on efficient offices, meeting spaces, digital infrastructure, and secure record management. The completion of the Senate Building is therefore expected to strengthen institutional management while supporting the university’s long-term development goals.
The renewed commitment also highlights the strategic role of higher education in Delta State’s development agenda. Investments in university infrastructure are expected to improve educational quality, encourage research, and provide a better learning environment for students and staff. Government officials maintain that strengthening public universities remains essential to producing skilled graduates capable of contributing to national development.
Beyond the Senate Building, stakeholders have encouraged the government to continue investing in lecture theatres, laboratories, libraries, hostels, roads, and other facilities across the university. They argued that comprehensive infrastructure development would enable DELSU to compete more effectively with leading universities across Nigeria.
The project has attracted considerable attention within political circles because it demonstrates cooperation between the state government and university authorities. Analysts note that sustained collaboration between government institutions and educational administrators is necessary for successful implementation of major capital projects.
Although the government’s renewed commitment has been widely applauded, members of the university community have urged the authorities to ensure that construction begins without unnecessary delays. Previous promises regarding the project have not resulted in completion, making stakeholders eager to see measurable progress rather than repeated assurances.
Many observers have emphasized the importance of regular public updates throughout the construction process. Transparent communication regarding funding, project milestones, and expected completion dates would help strengthen public confidence while promoting accountability.
The revival of the DELSU Senate Building project is expected to generate employment opportunities during construction while contributing to economic activities within Abraka and surrounding communities. Local contractors, suppliers, artisans, and service providers may benefit from increased demand associated with the project.
Ultimately, the renewed commitment by the Delta State Government represents an important step toward resolving one of DELSU’s longest-standing infrastructure challenges. If completed successfully, the Senate Building will enhance administrative efficiency, improve institutional image, and stand as a lasting symbol of the government’s investment in higher education.
As the university community awaits visible construction progress, students, staff, alumni, and residents remain hopeful that this renewed promise will finally translate into the completion of a project that has remained unfinished for more than twenty years. The successful delivery of the Senate Building would not only improve governance within Delta State University but also reinforce public confidence in the government’s commitment to fulfilling its educational development agenda.
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.
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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.
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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.
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