By Churchill Oyowe
Newly admitted students of Delta State University, Abraka, have been urged to shun social vices and embrace discipline as they begin their academic journey.
The charge was given on Saturday by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Asagba, during the 2025/2026 Matriculation Ceremony at the Convocation Arena, Site III.
Professor Asagba reminded the students that they were among the privileged 9,498 admitted from tens of thousands of applicants.
He said the successful candidates scaled the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and the university’s Post-UTME screening exercise.
He warned the students against becoming captives of social media, describing it as a subtle distraction and time stealer.
The Vice Chancellor cautioned them against violence, cultism, internet fraud, and any act capable of disrupting campus peace.
He also advised them to avoid examination malpractice, indecent dressing, and other conduct unbecoming of undergraduates.
“As first-year students, you must deliberately protect your esteemed gown from the hostilities of the town,” he said.
Professor Asagba urged the students to pursue their dreams with integrity, diligence, and discipline.
Highlighting the institution’s growing profile, he disclosed that the 2026 Times Higher Education ranking placed DELSU fourth among state universities in Nigeria.
He added that the university ranked 12th overall nationally and remains the best state university in the South-South and South-East zones.
According to him, the university’s steady rise is anchored on strong town-and-gown relations and academic excellence.
He credited the sustained support of the Delta State Government for the institution’s achievements.
Professor Asagba appreciated the Executive Governor of Delta State and Visitor to the University, Sheriff Oborevwori, for his administration’s developmental strides.
He noted that DELSU currently operates 17 faculties with 109 accredited academic programmes.
The university also runs an Institute of Education and a Business School in Asaba.
He assured that management is putting machinery in place to introduce more robust programmes to meet contemporary demands.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor presented a breakdown of admissions across faculties, reflecting the institution’s diverse academic spread.
The ceremony climaxed with the administration of the matriculation oath by the Registrar, Mrs. Rufina Ufiofio.
