Only the Best Made It – DELSU VC Tells 9,498 New Students

Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, has formally welcomed 9,498 newly admitted students into its academic community for the 2025/2026 session.

The matriculation ceremony was held on Saturday at the Convocation Arena, Site III, on the university’s main campus in Abraka, drawing faculty members, parents, and well-wishers.

Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Asagba, congratulated the students for successfully navigating the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the university’s Post-UTME screening exercise. He described their admission as a significant achievement, noting that thousands applied but only 9,498 secured places.

Giving a breakdown of admissions across faculties, he said the Faculty of Science recorded the highest number with 1,736 students, followed by Education with 1,385 and Management Sciences with 1,100. Other faculties admitted include Arts (952), Allied Health Sciences (804), Social Sciences (660), Communication and Media Studies (633), Engineering (592), Computing (340), Law (118), Pharmacy (114), Dentistry (10), Environmental Sciences (21), Basic Clinical Sciences (five), and Agriculture (171).

Professor Asagba urged the new students to recognise the privilege of gaining admission into the institution and to make the most of the opportunity.

Highlighting the university’s growing reputation, he referenced the 2026 Times Higher Education rankings, which placed DELSU as the fourth-best state university in Nigeria and 12th overall in the country. According to him, the institution also emerged as the leading state university in both the South-South and South-East regions.

He attributed the progress to consistent academic standards, strong engagement with host communities, and continued support from the Delta State Government.

The Vice Chancellor disclosed that the university currently runs 17 faculties offering 109 academic programmes, alongside an Institute of Education and a Business School located in Asaba. He assured that all programmes have full accreditation and that new, industry-driven courses are being introduced to align with global trends.

Addressing the matriculants, Professor Asagba stressed the importance of discipline and focus. He warned against excessive use of social media and cautioned students to steer clear of cultism, cybercrime, examination malpractice, indecent dressing, and any behaviour capable of disrupting peace on campus.