DELSU V-C Swears-In New SUG Leaders, Harps On Quality Representation

By Charity Amali/Winner Enuma/Elizabeth Chukwuma

The Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Prof. Andy Egwunyenga, has charged new students union leaders of the university to facilitate open communication and address pressing issues affecting students’ welfare.

Egwunyenga gave the charge in Abraka on Tuesday during the swearing-in of newly elected students’ union executives for the 2024/2025 academic session.

Recall that the student leaders were elected on June 11, 2024.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Rosemary Okoh, the V-C advised the student leaders to use their offices as a bridge between students and management authorities, noting that leadership is about serving others, listening to their concerns, and amplifying their voices.

He said the emergence of the new leaders represented the confidence reposed in them by the larger student population that voted them into office, adding that such trust must be reciprocated through effective leadership and commitment to students’ welfare.

Egwunyenga said: “remember that leadership is about serving others, listening to their concerns, and amplifying their voices.

“As student union executives, you have the power to create positive change, foster inclusivity, and promote academic excellence.

“You are the bridge between students, faculty, and administration. Use your platform to facilitate open communication, address pressing issues, and advocate for student welfare.

“Embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. Celebrate the uniqueness of each student, and strive to create a sense of belonging for all.

“Be approachable, transparent, and accountable. Lead with empathy, integrity, and fairness.

“As you begin your tenure, remember that leadership is a journey, not a destination. Be willing to learn from others, seek guidance, and grow together as a team. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation.”

The Vice-Chancellor admonished the new leaders to encourage indigent students of the university to explore the opportunities afforded by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund initiated by the Federal Government to tackle the rising cost of education in the country.

Earlier, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Ignatius Njoseh urged the new leaders to adopt an open-door policy and be familiar with the rules and regulations guiding the operations of campus unionism in DELSU.

Njoseh emphasised the importance of discipline and adherence to university laws, warning that no acts of indiscipline would be tolerated.

The Dean expressed a strong commitment to restoring the lost fame and glory of the SUG, highlighting the vital role of the Dean of Students’ Office as a neutral mediator between students and the university administration.

He reaffirmed his commitment to fostering harmony and collaboration within the university community, under the guidance of the Vice-Chancellor who, he said, has adopted an open-door policy with a strong focus on student welfare.

In his acceptance speech, Comrade Augustine Onovughegor, pledged the commitment of his administration to the advancement of students’ welfare.

Onovughegor Students Union executive has vowed to work collaboratively with the university authorities to create an enabling environment for students to reach their full potentials.

“As an executive of the Union, we are fundamentally elected to pursue all-round students’ welfare. And we assure our fellow comrades that such overarching interest will remain paramount in our administration and will never be compromised”, said the President to a cheering audience.

The event was attended by principal officers of the university, including the Provost of Oleh Campus, Prof. Elo Ibagere, the University Bursar, Mrs Otimeyin Ekakitie-Omajuwa, Deputy Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Israel Odede, among others.

Click here to watch video of the inauguration.