By Our Reporter
The Vice Chancellor of the Southern Delta University (SDU), Prof Sunny Awhefeada has stated that his administration is determined to transform the institution into a pace-setting 21st-century university capable of competing favourably in the global academic environment.
He made this assertion during the ongoing familiarization tour across the faculties, directorates, and departments of the university stressing the need for staff to imbibe a corporate-sector mindset driven by professionalism, creativity, innovation and intentional productivity.
According to him, knowledge and service must go beyond classroom teaching and be commercialized through innovative ideas and practical solutions that can contribute meaningfully to societal growth and development.
He further emphasized the importance of human sustainability and community development, urging staff to remain committed, disciplined and dedicated to their responsibilities.
Prof. Awhefeada also charged staff to cultivate a culture of accountability by respecting deadlines and timelines while avoiding procrastination in the discharge of their duties.
The Vice Chancellor expressed profound appreciation to the Delta State Government for its continuous support towards infrastructural development in the university.
He equally acknowledged the enduring legacy and solid foundation laid by the Founding Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jacob Snapps Oboreh, describing it as a strong platform upon which the institution would continue to grow.
Speaking during the extensive tour across the faculties, directorates, and departments of the university, Prof. Awefeada noted the exercise has served as a platform for him to articulate the vision and mission of his administration, adding that his policies thrust would be centred on repositioning the university for global relevance through research, innovation, empowerment and academic excellence.
Speaking particularly to academic staff, the Vice Chancellor underscored the importance of mentorship in higher education.
He encouraged lecturers to mentor students through the academic circle of leadership, entrepreneurship, empowerment and character development before graduation, noting that “universities must produce graduates who are not only academically sound but also capable of driving societal transformation.
“Transform your knowledge base beyond the classrooms ; be globally and locally relevant / visible” – he addedS
Speaking further, the Vice Chancellor appreciated the unwavering support and cooperation of staff members and assured them that deserving and hardworking personnel would be recognized through incentives.
He further disclosed that management would provide partial financial support for researchers seeking Scopus-indexed publications as part of efforts to strengthen the university’s research visibility, sponsorship for workshops and continuous training.
He called for increased research activities capable of attracting international academic grants and encouraged greater collaborations among faculties, departments and institutions to enhance productivity and institutional growth.
During the interactive sessions, Deans of Faculties, Directors of Directorates and Heads of Departments highlighted several operational challenges affecting their units and appealed for urgent management attention.
Responding, Prof. Awhefeada directed that all identified needs and requests be properly documented in proposals and submitted to management for consideration and necessary intervention.
Prof. Awhefeada concluded by calling on all staff members to join hands with his administration in advancing the vision and mission of the university, while fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and collective responsibility capable of taking Southern Delta University to greater heights.
The tour, which commenced on Monday, 18th and ended on Tuesday, 26th May, 2026, followed his assumption of office on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Principal Officers during the tour of the University were the Management Team, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Presly Obukoadata, Registrar, Mrs. Ejiro Etobro, Bursar, Dr. Sylvester Okoh, Librarian, Prof. Ogochukwu Emiri, and the host officers that were visited both at the Ozoro and Orerokpe campuses where they were accorded warm receptions and colourful entertainment by staff members.
The tour was to faculties, Directorates, Departments , and Units within the university while visits to external stakeholders have been planned for subsequent weeks.
