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Victor Okpomor
We are determined to transform Southern Delta University, Ozoro into a pace-setting 21st-century university capable of competing favourably in the global academic environment.
This was disclosed by Prof Sunny Awhefeada, Vice Chancellor, Southern Delta University, Ozoro during a familiarization tour across faculties, directorates, and departments of the university which served as a platform for Prof. Awhefeada to articulate the vision and mission of his administration.
Prof. Awhefeada stressed the need for staff to imbibe a corporate-sector mindset driven by professionalism, creativity, innovation and intentional productivity.
Prof. Awhefeada said that 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.
The Vice Chancellor further emphasized the importance of human sustainability and community development, he urged 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 Prof. Jacob Snapps Oboreh, founding Vice Chancellor, he described it as a strong platform upon which the institution would continue to grow.
The Vice Chancellor noted that his policy thought 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.
According to Prof.Awhefeada, “transform your knowledge base beyond the classrooms, be globally and locally relevant and visible.
“I want to use this opportunity to specifically appreciate the unwavering support and cooperation of staff members and be assured that deserving and hardworking personnel would be recognized through incentives.
“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.”
The Vice Chancellor 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 then solicited the support and cooperation of all staff, adding, “I am using this opportunity to call on all staff members to join hands with my 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.”
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