The Vice Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Professor Asagba, has revealed that the university spends an alarming N720 million annually on electricity costs. This expenditure, which includes N60 million monthly for electricity and N50 million for diesel, amounts to N110 million in total every month. To tackle this financial burden, the university is exploring alternative power solutions, including solar energy and hydropower, through partnerships with private investors.
In addition to addressing energy costs, Asagba outlined plans for significant improvements in the university’s infrastructure. These include the development of a comprehensive water supply system for Site Three and the construction and maintenance of internal roads. The VC emphasized the importance of adhering to the university’s master plan to ensure consistent growth and development.
Asagba also highlighted the critical challenge of funding in realizing the university’s long-term vision. To address this, DELSU is exploring ways to increase its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). As part of this initiative, the university will revamp DELSU Investment Ltd., upgrade its printing press to a publishing house, and expand the Centre for Open and Distance Learning to accommodate more departments. Furthermore, quotas for popular undergraduate courses will be increased, and efforts will be made to attract investors for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements, particularly targeting national and multinational companies.
A key focus of the administration will be to enhance the university’s ICT infrastructure, ensuring that DELSU remains competitive on a global scale. Measures to improve the employability of both undergraduate and postgraduate students will be intensified through closer monitoring and support. The university will also expand its international presence by participating in a range of schemes that offer short- and long-term sponsorship opportunities for staff and students.
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the VC also announced plans to provide training and support to entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Abraka community. However, Asagba emphasized that staff welfare would remain a top priority in his administration and would not be compromised.
This ambitious plan seeks to address the pressing challenges facing the university while positioning DELSU for future growth and development.
