By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Independent News ExpressIndependent News Express
  • Home
  • International
    InternationalShow More
    UN Secretary-General Launches Report To Break “The Cycle Of Debt Distress”
    1 day ago
    Israel-Iran War: South Africa Wants United Nations To Step In
    6 days ago
    G7 finance leaders seek non-tariff consensus in Canada, may face US pushback
    Ahead G7 Summit, Finance Ministers Seek Non-tariff Consensus In Canada, May Face US Pushback
    1 month ago
    Over 28,000 Women And Girls Killed In Gaza Since October 2023
    1 month ago
    Global Aid Cut
    New Report Reveals How Global Aid Cuts Affecting Women’s Organisations Aiding Women In Crises
    2 months ago
  • Africa
    Africa
    Show More
    Top News
    Tunisian President Saied Under Pressure To Resign After ‘Fiasco’ Poll
    3 years ago
    United Nations Experts Charge President Of Zimbabwe To Reject Bill Restricting Civic Space
    2 years ago
    Senegal: Amnesty International Worries Over Deadly Crackdown On Protesters
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Ooni’s Wife, Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi Takes Ile Ife Royalty To ADWIN Launch In Cote d’Ivoire
    2 weeks ago
    Independent UN Body Finds Systemic Racism Against Africans And People Of African Descent
    3 weeks ago
    Public Exit: Why South Africa Businesses Are Moving To Private Cloud
    3 weeks ago
    Cameroon Tops List Of World’s Most Neglected Displacement Crises
    4 weeks ago
  • Corporate News
    • Media Outreach
  • Politics
    Politics
    Show More
    Top News
    Nobody Can Thwart The Will Of Osun People, Adeleke Insists He Won Osun Election
    2 years ago
    Ex Boxing Champion, Akpan Hails Tinubu’s Victory, Applauds MC Oluomo
    2 years ago
    Lagos Speakership: Why Lawmakers-elect Endorsed Obasa – Temitope
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Lagos LG Poll: Tunde Disco/Ganiyu Obasa Intensify Campaign In Agege
    2 days ago
    PHOTOS: Vinod Obasa Joins Other Lagos APC LG Candidates At Sanwo-Olu’s Reception
    4 days ago
    Lagos Lawmaker Praises Tinubu For Helping Nigeria Breathe Again
    3 weeks ago
    LG Election: Stakeholders Appeal To APC Not To Allow Chairmen Run For 3rd term
    2 months ago
  • News
    • Agriculture
    • Breaking News
    • Tech
    • Maritime
    • Crime
    • Art & Culture
    News
    Show More
    Top News
    Ondo Governor, Akeredolu Begins Construction Of First Flyover In Akure
    2 years ago
    Celebration Of Life: Reverend Adewumi Jegede Of Later House Of God Assembly Buried Amid Pomp
    1 year ago
    Pa Abdulfatah Amoo Ayanwale
    Pa Ayanwale Dies At 76, Fidau Prayers Holds 8 August
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    D2D Satellite Comms: Nigeria’s Space Research Agency Signs MoU With Chinese Firm, Galaxy Space
    1 week ago
    Substance Use Prevention In Focus As NDLEA, UNODC Unveil 2025 World Drug Day Activities
    2 weeks ago
    Benue: Stop the Killings, CAPPA Demands Immediate Action
    2 weeks ago
    Court Orders Flouted Again as Armed Men Escort Attempted Takeover Of Lekki Property
    2 weeks ago
  • Entertainment
    • Comedy
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Television
    • Concert & Events
    Entertainment
    Show More
    Top News
    Creative Industries, A Catalyst To Drive Investment & Business Opportunities In U.S. And Africa
    3 years ago
    Davido, Wizkid Join Afro Nation Portugal 2023
    2 years ago
    Nigeria Idol S8: Constance’s eviction and other highlights from week 7
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    The Drama Returns As BBNaija ‘No Loose Guard’ Reunion Premieres June 23
    6 days ago
    You Can’t Fake it — James Omekwe On MultiChoice’s Impact On African Filmmaking
    2 weeks ago
    Jkenova and Ellacentric Exit Nigerian Idol Season 10 In Emotional Farewell
    3 weeks ago
    MultiChoice Africa x African Storytelling: How Local Content Shapes Local Culture
    3 weeks ago
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Love & Life
    • Food & Drink
    • Travel & Tourism
    • Relationship
    • Sex
    Lifestyle
    Show More
    Top News
    Ooni Of Ife Honours Chairman SABRE West Africa At Olojo Festival Dinner
    2 years ago
    LENT 2023: Nigerians Knocking On Heaven’s Door By Bishop Emmanuel Badejo
    2 years ago
    Happiness
    Eight Ways To Stay Happier In 2025, According To Science
    6 months ago
    Latest News
    Noble Call to Service: Inside the Induction of 104 New Knights of St. Mulumba
    2 weeks ago
    Joining The Knighthood Brings You Closer To God -Sir Eva Njemanze
    2 weeks ago
    Africa Tech Festival Unveils Strategic Themes For 2025 Event,
    2 weeks ago
    Lagos SWAN Joins UN To Celebrate World Nutrition Month At Unilag Confab
    1 month ago
  • Business
    • Banking & Finance
    • Oil & Gas
    BusinessShow More
    NNPCL Board Accused Of Planning Lavish Party In Rwanda Amidst N210tn Financial Scandal
    1 week ago
    Can the African Energy Bank Transform the Continent’s Refining and Downstream Future?
    2 weeks ago
    Lagos Will Continue To Lead Initiatives That Accelerate Economic Diversification – Sanwo-Olu
    1 month ago
    Afreximbank
    Afreximbank Reports Strong Performance For Q1 2025 In Line With expectations
    1 month ago
    Pan-African Payment & Settlement System
    Nigeria Unlocks Intra-African Trade With New Pan-African Payment & Settlement System Policy Boost
    2 months ago
  • Health
    Health
    Show More
    Top News
    MUST READ: Palm Wine Lowers Blood Sugar, Cholesterol, And Supports Heart Health
    3 years ago
    West Africa, Eastern Europe Lead In Cocaine Trafficking Hubs
    2 years ago
    Uk’s £15m Funding To Strengthen Health Workforce In Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Online Education Can Enhance Clinical Guideline Use By Over 50% 
    2 weeks ago
    The Hidden Lifeline – Blood Security And Africa’s Health Agenda By Dr Allan Pamba
    2 weeks ago
    Apepa or Arterial Blockage? The Urgency of Self-Care After 45 By Babafemi Ojudu
    3 weeks ago
    Roche Launches Diagnostics Operations In Nigeria,
    4 weeks ago
  • More
    • Sports
    • Aviation/Transportation
    • Deliverance Hour
    • Industry & Labour
    • Insurance
    • Interview
    • Judiciary
    • Metro
    • Opinion
    • Property
    • Religious
    • Romance
    • Science & Discovery
Reading: DELSU: Of Democracy, Stability, And Inclusion By Tony Eke
Share
Notification Show More
Aa
Independent News ExpressIndependent News Express
Aa
  • Home
  • International
  • Africa
  • Corporate News
  • Politics
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Health
  • More
Search
  • Home
  • International
  • Africa
  • Corporate News
    • Media Outreach
  • Politics
  • News
    • Agriculture
    • Breaking News
    • Tech
    • Maritime
    • Crime
    • Art & Culture
  • Entertainment
    • Comedy
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Television
    • Concert & Events
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Love & Life
    • Food & Drink
    • Travel & Tourism
    • Relationship
    • Sex
  • Business
    • Banking & Finance
    • Oil & Gas
  • Health
  • More
    • Sports
    • Aviation/Transportation
    • Deliverance Hour
    • Industry & Labour
    • Insurance
    • Interview
    • Judiciary
    • Metro
    • Opinion
    • Property
    • Religious
    • Romance
    • Science & Discovery
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • Advertise
© 2022 Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
Independent News Express > Blog > Opinion > DELSU: Of Democracy, Stability, And Inclusion By Tony Eke
Opinion

DELSU: Of Democracy, Stability, And Inclusion By Tony Eke

Last updated: 2024/12/07 at 12:45 PM
7 months ago
Share
SHARE

Despite its dysfunctional features, democracy has been beneficial to Nigeria to some extent. A comparison of the state of the country yesteryears to the present time shows some improvement in certain areas. No matter our varying perception of the extant governance system, we cannot dismiss it as a total failure, oblivious of the occasional glimpses of a progressive course in few areas.

Arguably, the education sector is a major beneficiary of democratic restoration since 1999. There are other areas of our national life which have benefitted as well, but this piece is only interested in looking at the way the current civilian administration has restored stable governance of universities in the country by narrowing it to the Delta State University (DELSU). As much I am inclined to say all I would like to say, I am aware that certain viewpoints could act as counterpoise to my position in this regard. That’s by the way.

A cursory inquiry into the beneficial impact of democracy on the exponential growth of universities in the country will show gains such as the expanded opportunity for thousands of Nigerians to satiate their quest for higher education. This, of course, is evident in the establishment of numerous universities by federal and state governments besides the increased participation of private individuals and organisations. All of these alongside the National Open University of Nigeria(NOUN) have relatively democratised access of people to education at the highest level.

- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

While Delta State University (DELSU) Abraka is not an offshoot of the post-1999 era, it has shared in the renewed vigour of its proprietor in sustaining its path of stability bolstered by the democratic governance of the university in the last quarter of a century. In essence, it has reaped bountifully from the enthronement of democracy in the country given that the stable course of governance in Delta State level is the reason for its progression over the years.

Yet, without being involved in the affairs of DELSU in varying status as a former student, an employee, an enthusiast or education analyst, one might not understand the basis of the unbroken stable years of the institution in the period under discourse. An abiding sense of satisfaction emerges when we juxtapose DELSU of today with its incipient years of crisis which ranged from the unstable tenure of the Vice Chancellors, incessant strikes caused by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to deadly secret cult activities in and around Abraka particularly.

The crisis of leadership was so pronounced that none of the officers that held the highest office ever completed his tenure or had the honour of presiding over a valedictory ceremony let alone in a convivial atmosphere. The high-wired politics spawned by military administration encumbered their tenures. Yes, they had gone the way of all mortals, but in retrospect, the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Frank Ukoli, his immediate successor, Professor Pius Sada, and afterwards, Professor Abednego Ekoko, who was a sole administrator, were overwhelmed with pathos on the days they abruptly exited the institution.

Their fate reflected a milder degree of the tragic colouration of Liberia which did not witness a smooth handover of political power by an outgoing president to his successor between 1980 and 2018 until President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was succeeded by former President George Opong Yeah. Retrospectively, the Samuel Doe-led bloody coup of April 12, 1980 and the concomitant two-phased fratricidal conflict obstructed the path of political stability envisioned for that country.

However, a measure of stability in the institution has produced the unbroken tenures of the successive Vice-Chancellors from 1999 to 2024. Their emergence from different parts of the state denotes an unofficial consensus to enthrone the principle of inclusivity as applicable to the rotational occupation of the governorship in the larger society. While Professor Uvietoborhe Igun(1999-2004), Prof. John Enaohwo(2004-2009) and Prof. Eric Arubayi(2009-2014) were from Delta Central Senatorial district, Prof. Victor Peretomode (2014-2019) hailed from Delta South Senatorial district. Prof. Andy Egwunyenga whose tenure ended on the eve of November 30, 2024, after five years in office, is the only academic to have held that office from Delta North senatorial district.

Quite remarkably, Prof. Samuel Asagba, the new Vice-Chancellor, is also from Delta Central senatorial district, but his emergence has elicited some acclamation because his Okpe zone has not occupied that position in the 32-year history of the institution. The reference to his zone within Delta Central Senatorial district does not vitiate the merit of his appointment buoyed by demonstrable academic leadership and administrative experience but to show that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and two previous visitors did well by their deference to inclusion as a critical factor in their approval of the appointments.

The adoption of what can be referred to as unofficial zoning of the Vice-Chancellorship post is a welcome development in a diverse state. It gives an assurance to other ethnic groups which are yet to hold such a post. This pattern is better and more accommodating than what obtains in most federal universities where the coveted position is ceded to the dominant ethnic group which may also double as the host of its location as captured by the ethnicisation of the top post at University of Benin(UNIBEN) by the majority Bini.

*Tony Eke, a journalist based in Asaba, Delta State capital, can be reached via [email protected] or on 08035504896(text only).

You Might Also Like

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: A Birthday Bash For Dr Joseph Obasanya

Flag Football: Shattering Limits and Empowering Nigerian Athletes (Part 3) By Phemmy Adetula

Democracy, Conviction, And The True Meaning Of Honor By Babafemi Ojudu

The Hidden Lifeline – Blood Security And Africa’s Health Agenda By Dr Allan Pamba

A Message To My Dear Esan People On June 12 Democracy Day By Idumonza Isidahomhen

TAGGED: DELSU
INadminNG December 7, 2024 December 7, 2024
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Telegram Email Print
Previous Article Solomon Arenyeka: Of Chance, Time, and Season By Tony Eke
Next Article Between Farotimi And Afe Babalola By Festus Adedayo
about us

Independent News Express (iNews Express), a publication of 4Ds Nigeria Limited, is birthed out of the desires of the founding fathers to report News as it is.

We value Professionalism, Excellence, Service, Creativity and Integrity.

The Company

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy

Quick Links

  • Advertise with us
  • Newsletters
  • Deal

Categories

Find Us on Socials

© Independent News Express. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?