1. VC celebrates with 7463 matriculants
By IyegbuChibueze, Okitikpi Edith, Okafor Precious, Omolu Favour
In expressing
his profound
joy, the vice
chancelor of
delta state
university
(DELSU)
Professor Eric
Arubayi
rejoiced with
7,463
matriculants of
the 2011/2012
academic
session on the
21st of April.
Present at the
matriculation ceremony was the DVC, provost of campuses, Registrar, Bursar,
University Librarian, Dean of Faculties and other important dignitaries.
IN HIS ADRESS, THE VC WARNED THEM to refrain from activities which
are inimical to the growth of intellectualism. HE ALSO congratulated them for not
only attaining yet another mile stone in their academic carrier but also having
successfully scaled through the difficult hurdles of university matriculation
examination screening tests.
Out of 49000 candidates that applied for admission only 3500 students gain
admission through Post UME, and the underlisted numbers according to their faculties
were duly cleared and registered hence qualified to participate in this ceremony.
Faculty of arts – 1480. Basic medical science – 589, Faculty of education – 1220,
Engineering – 352, Faculty of Law – 117, Management science – 151, Agric – 188,
Pharmacy – 79, Social Science – 289, CEP – 474, ISLT – 382, Diploma: Institute of
Education – 944, Diploma in Law – 305, Engineering – 110, Sandwich (2010 and
2011 contacts) 920, makingit a total of 7,463 students that gained admission into the
2011/2012 academic session.
The high point of the ceremony was the swearing of matriculation oaths where
all ―matriculants‘‘ were asked to stand up as the VC was invited formally to admit the
matriculants as students of Delsu. At this juncture, the VC urged the students to
comport themselves diligently, observe the rules and regulations of the university.
After the oath swearing, the music department took over the stage where
everyone including the Vice Chancellor got up with joy from his seat to rejoice with
the matriculants. The VC graciously approved that they were free to organise parties
but should end by 3:00pm.

2. The ceremony came to an end with the VC‘s closing remark, and In his remark, ―it is
SET YOUR PRIORITIES RIGHT AND FORGE AHED. always sad to come to the end of a
BY OMOROJOR .ONOS. PAUL good occasion, but like the saying
2012 matriculants,here comes the time for you to sow high goes what has a beginning has an
amidst all obstacles with the fact in mind that the sky is too
wide for two birds to collide. end, and as I bring this ceremony
What a joy to see your name enlisted among the 7,963 students
to a close, I feel highly honoured
that were admitted? Out of about 49,000 students that applied, because today we have
you are one of the few accepted. This shows that you are matriculated, presidents, senate
already a success and it is time to fight everything within you president, first ladies so when you
to correct all ills throughout your stay in this university.
Always have at the back of your mind that great dreamers are get to your paradise remember
never fulfilled but transcended. All you need is a good friend Delsu and on that note I hereby
around you that can help you, accompany you in the same car bring to a close the ceremony
with a dynamic driver called Jesus to take you through the
journey on the way to success during your stay in DELSU. proceeding that was earlier
Note that there are five fundamental elementary experiences the declared opened‖ he concluded.
heart of all desires: the desire for life; the desire for freedom; Delsu echo reporters spoke
the desire for happiness; the desire for love and the desire
for knowledge.
with some newly matriculated
Let your ultimate goal be to search for correspondence of these students, where they express their
desires and only an infinite being is capable of fulfilling the joy, and fulfilment to have started
infinite desires of man. It is necessary to develop a passion for the ―journey of a thousand mile‖.
knowledge because that is your most important reason for
coming here and it is the power that transforms everything in
the world. Never lose focus in life. You have only but a short
time to stay in DELSU it is the beauty of destiny that gives you
the hope to forge ahead. Congratulations!!!
Governor commission 8 projects in Delsu
OMOROJOR PAUL, ALEXANDER OBADIEMU, EDOGE OREVAOGHENE
As part of the
current development
going on in the
Delta State
University Abraka,
the present
administration
under the leadership
of Prof. Eric A.
Arubayi has
succeeded in
executing 8 projects
which were
commissioned by
His Excellency, the
Executive Governor
of Delta State, Dr

3. EmmanuelEwetaUduaghan.
The projects that were commissioned by the governor were all built from internally generated
revenue, they include; Delsu oil, Delsu waters, Delsue.library, examination centre, road
network (measuring a total distance of 2.043 kilometres), extention of electricity lines and a
500 kva transformer, 6 lectures halls, site III water schme.
Present at the commissioning was the vice chancellor, Prof. Eric Arubayi, the registrar Mr
Udjorejiro, bursar, director of DelsuIvestment Limited(DIL), member from the house of
assembly rt. Hon. martins okonta, menbers of delsugoveringcouncil,permanentsecatrary,
heads of ministerial departments, principal officers of the university, deans of falculties,
heads of departments, members of the senate, traditional rulers, chiefs representing various
kingdoms, saff of Delsu, students and press men.
The VC in his speech said the projects were executed within the past two years which came
on board saw the need to improve on infrastructural policies on ground if the university must
fit into the global concept of university. He noted that they are other projects that have also
been developed at Oleh and Asaba campuses through internally generated revenue. He
commended the governor for giving the approval to utilize the internal generated revenue and
also the effort of the commissioner for higher education Prof Hope Eghagha and the state
ministry of education.
The VC used the opportunity to ask the state government to continuously come to the aid of
the university by providing the much needed infrastructures he called on his Excellency to
appeal to some of the contractors handling some of the construction projects as they really
needed for accreditation exercise.
Speaking with pressmen, the Governor expressed his delight over what has been done with
the funds of the University. He noted the importance of funding in the management of
Nigerian Universities. He said other universities should take it as a challenge upon
themselves to make judicious use of their internally generated revenue. He also appealed to
the users of the projects to handle them as if they are personal properties and also assured the
Abraka community that it is as important as any other community in the state.
The governor commended the student for good behaviour as negative news and behaviour
has not being heard recently and urged them to them to continue to behave positively.
DELSU hosts ASSON conference
BY IYEGBU CHIBUEZE DYKE, OGBEBOR EBIHITALE, ADIA OKIOGHNENEMAIWOME E.
The 5th annual
national conference
of Anatomical
student‘s society of
Nigeria (ASSON)
was hosted by
Delta State
University Abraka
with the theme
clinical and
appliedanatomy of
the human prints.

4. The conference which had in attendance students of Anatomical students from various higher
institutions in Nigeria started on Tuesday 28th February to 3rd March 2012. The guest speaker.
Professor P. S lgbibi, provost of Delta State University Asaba campus, delivered a lecture on
the theme of the conference.He pointed out the importance and use of human prints, he made
the students understand how other human prints like the eye prints, up prints and leg prints
can be of help in a society like Nigeria ―if we take serious the issue of human prints in a
contemporary society like Nigeria, election elections would be free and fair‖
After the seminar the day 3 they organise a workshop ―UMUAJA‖ to see the source of river
Ethoipe. Day 5 the students departed to their various institutions.Quiz and a lecture by
Dr.EseAnibor, the quiz competition was between the schools and Delsu chapter emerged
winner of the competition; they also took a tout the ―UMUAJA‖ to see the source of River
Ethiope from the tour, the students were taken to McCarty beach for a beach part.
There was a general meeting of ASSON where the National Executive demanded a statement
or account from the local organizing committee (LOC) on the expenditures of the national
conference but a the S. P. C. Delsu chapter told the national executive that they have no
business in the expenditures of the L.O.C. after much arguments the national executives
weredissolved and new executives were inaugurated with a delsuite as the national president
of ASSON.
Delsu Echo reporters had an interview with the present president of the Anatomical Students
Society of Nigeria Abraka chapter in the person of OkuahOghenerukevwe D. where he
expressed profound joy and gratitude to be hosting ASSON conference for the first time in
Delta State University.
Ararile gets staff of office
BY IKPONMWOBA WENDY
The Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on Saturday presented a staff of office to the
new Ovie of Umiaghan kingdom his Royal majesty AVM Lucky OchukoArarile (rtd) in
AbrakaEthiope East Local area.
The occasion was graced by dignitaries form far and wide. Members from government house
were also present.
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama in his address, urge
the new Ovie of Umiagwa to exercise the authority vested on him in the discharge of his duty
and also have the spirit of co-operation between his brother Ovie of Oruarivie kingdom as he
said will bring, about unity in the land.
Commended the people of Umiagwa for their cooperation and hard work by making this
ceremony a reality. He also promised that he will use his office in making sure that their
request is sent to relevant authority for prompt action.
In another remark by Mr.Oyemeni Frank Atube who is the head of personnel management in
Ethiope East local government, commended the people of Umiagwa for the peaceful nature
they imbibe throughout the period of selection of the new Ovie.
High point of the event was the presentation of the staff of office to Ovie of Umiagwa by the
Deputy Governor.
His royal majesty, AVM Lucky OchukoArarivile in his address, thanked the Governor and
the people for their support and promise to cooperate with both the government and the
people of Omiagwa- Abraka.

5. SOSSA CONGRESS ADOPTS N2.2M BUDGET AMIDST CONTROVERSY
BY ERUEME HENRY
The Social Science Students Association (SOSSA) has adopted a budget of 2.2m
naira amidst controversy at the congress held on the 5th of April 2012 at Faculty of Social
Science large lecture Threat (FSS LLT).
The budget that was presented to congress by President Ighotomo Kelvin generated a
lot of controversies. Deliberations were going on when a motion was moved by Comr.
Okagbare suspected to be an ally of the president and hurriedly seconded by a security man
hired to ensure security.
Some SOSSAITES who took active part in the congress lamented and berated the
adoption of the said budget which generated an uproar in the house. Comrade
IgwedinmaChinedu of Mass communication Department says, ―I see it as a planned event by
president and his cohorts because for me the budget is that of fraud‘‘.
More criticism have continued to trail the credibility of the adoption of the budget by
the congress in terms of constitutional provision that 1/3 majority of SOSSAITE shall form a
quorum without which congress shall stand postponed to another date. This has generated
controversies as some SOSSAITES believe it was a kangaroo congress setup by the
president to hurriedly adopt the budget and get his ―egocentric‖ end.
The congress according to a source close to the presidency who pleaded anonymity
said it said the attendance of 97 Sossaites.
However, some Sossaites has accused the president of fixing a congress on a day he
knows students will travel for their Easter holiday. This they say amounted to the poor turn
out of Sossaites at the congress.
Adam of Accounting Department say ―if you see the congress you know it was
deliberately made for Sossaites not to be present. If not how can the president fix congress on
a day like this? Some of his exco members even complain they were not part of the date fixed
for the congress‘‘.
ChideduIgwedimma who raised an alarm during the congress called for cancellation
of the congress.
Dean Applauds SOSSA Elections
By ERUEME HENRY OKIRORO
The Dean of the Faculty of the Social Sciences, Prof. D.O. Awharitefe has applauded the
outcome of the Social Science Students‘ Association (SOSSA) elections. He expressed his
satisfaction of the election during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected executive
members at the faculty board room on the 8th of March 2012.
Describing the election, the Dean said, ―This is the best election since the history of the
faculty. We have set a standard for ourselves which others will follow‖. He however thanked

6. the Electoral Committee Chairman, Prof. Benjamin Okaba and his colleagues for a job well
done.
Reacting to this, the Head of the Department of Political Science, Dr F.A. Sanubi who acted
as the ―Chief Judge‖, corroborated the Dean and advised the exco members to be up and
doing in their official duties. In his words, ―This type of election has not been conducted so
far and I congratulate you for your success‖
The Associate Dean, Dr A. A. Mukoro advised the new exco to see this opportunity as a
challenge on their shoulder, shine the light for others to follow and should not hesitate to
consult management for advice on the running of the association.
However, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Prof. B. Okaba while speaking said,
―You should see yourselves as succeeding‖. He admonished them to be careful not to tarnish
their image. Speaking further, he said, ―I congratulate you on your election. You should see
your service as selfless and to humanity‖.
The high point of the ceremony was the presentation of the new exco by Dr Sanubi and
admittance into their respective offices after taking their oath of office.
Governor’s Visit:Security Shoves SUG President Owhote Aaron
By ERUEME HENRY
The security men of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan shoved the SUG President, Aaron
Owhote in an attempt to go into the commissioning of the new building at the Site Ill of the
DeltaStateUniversity, Abraka on 1st March 2012.
The students of Delta State University saw it as a big blow to student unionism as they claim
they were helpless. They claim the spirit of ―Aluta‖ was ―dead‖ and ―buried‖.
Reacting to this in an interview with Delsu Echo, the President denied such allegation
claiming that there was nothing of such. He further explained that he had a good time with
the Governor and even took pictures with him during his formal introduction to the Governor.
He said, ―in a gathering like that norms and values and rules must be followed. When you
miss the entourage, there is the possibility of not gaining entrance into the place. However,
we followed them until our car got spoilt on the way and that is why‖.
In an interview with some eyewitnesses, a student of Mass Communication who pleads
anonymity said: ―Aaron does not know his powers. He is the eye of the students and the
number one citizen. He should be by the Governor‘s side together with the VC‖, he said
angrily.

7. Ighotomo Scraps Incentives for SOSSAITES
Management Intervenes
BY ERUEME HENRY
The president of the Social Science Students Association (SOSSA) has scrapped
incentives for members of the association. He disclosed this during his presentation of the
budget for the academic year to congress at the faculty large lecture Theatre on the 5th of
April, 2012.
This has continued to raise dust among the members of the association. Reacting to the
question on the subject matter, the president said the decision was sequel to the financial
burden the association has to carry for the session.
However, a source close to the president says that the decision is still under consideration and
that there is every tendency that the decision will take another look.
Ochofe Donald, one of the members of the association has berated the decision say,
‗Ighotomo Kelvin is egocentric. Why will he make such decision? He queried.
In a related development, the president said that the office of Welfare will produce almanac
which will be sold to SOSSAITES. Explaining this after the presentation of the budget at the
congress of the association, he said it was also due to the financial burden the association is
carrying. In his words, ‗This administration is not giving incentives this year what we will do
is print Alamance which will be sold at a subsidised rate‖.
In a related development, the management of the faculty of social sciences has intervened in
the matter through the SOSSA staff Adviser Prof. Uweru, B.C. The staff adviser while
addressing the executive council at a meeting in the Faculty block noted that budget proposal
was one sided and that there is a need for a review.
He called all exco members to be calm and peaceful as measures are been put in place for
order and a redress of grievances from the students. Sequel to this, the staff through the
secretary general of SOSSA Comr. Ozuem Paul summoned a meeting of all excomember for
a review of the budget.
After all deliberations, the budget was reviewed and incentives were accorded a prime place
in the budget proposal. Other offices were also given attention which hitherto budget
proposal never recognised.
PPF SENSITISES DELSUITES
By IYEGBU CHIBUEZE
The Pink Pearl Foundation sensitised Delta State
University students on breast and cervical cancer at the
pedigree auditorium Abraka on the 8th of March 2012
with the theme ―Empowering youths for the fight against
Breast and Cervical cancer‘‘
The team of this foundation were out with full
mobilization to create awareness about the killer disease

8. and how it is fast claiming the lives of precious ones in our society stating the need to ―Beat
Breast and cervical cancer by prevention and early detection‖.
The foundation did not only preach the sermon but also conducted free breast screening for
students they were examined by Mrs LizzyUmokoro: the chief nursing officer ministry of
health.
The lecture on breast and cervical cancer was given by the resource person Dr Anastasia.
Ojimba FMCPH, MSC health Econs consultant public health physician.
Dr Ojimba elaborated on the risk factors, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment for
cervical and breast cancer letting them know that breast cancer also affects a man.
There was a quiz session were a student of biochemistry department took home the sum of
10,000 naira.
However the media assistance to her Excellency. Wife of Delta State Governor Mrs
RoliUduaghan stressed on the mass media as a major tool FOR creating awareness.
Dr Ojimba advised on developing the culture of prevention; knowing yourself and knowing
your body because ―early detection is the key to preventing breast and cervical cancer‖ she
concluded.
Fulani herds men murder a 68 years old woman.
By Omorojor Paul
Mrs. Margaret Okotie 68, native of Uroka – Abraka has been allegedly murdered by
Hausa/Fulani herdsmen at her farm in Uroka community, Abraka kingdom recently.
This was confirmed by the Abraka Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Mr. Steve
Chibefue after the interaction of the police on the matter. He advised the family of the
deceased to take solace in God, pledging to leave no stone unturned in fishing out those
behind the crime. He also called on the residents to avoid reprisal attacks and live in peace as
no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of chaos.
However, the head of personal management, Ethiope East Local Government Area,
Mr. Frank Atube has reiterated the need for peaceful co-existence among residents of Abraka
community. This was stated when he visited the DPO, Abraka division over the murder case,
calling on the police to ensure the safety of lives and property in the area to avoid any other
re-occurrence of such.
The Saraki of Hausa in Abraka, MallamAliuEuker noted that they have been residing
in Abraka since 1983 and promised to live peacefully with their host and disclosed that their
mosque was never burnt and none of them have been attacked as reported in some media.

9. Delta state commissioner for health allegedly slaps nursing officer
By IYEGBU CHIBUEZE
The Delta State Commissioner for health Dr. Joseph Otumara has been alleged to have
slapped a nursing officer at the Central Hospital Asaba recently.
The incident was said to have happened at the gynaecology ward of the central hospital in the
presence of many nurses and officials of the nursing ministry.
The commissioner and his entourage came into the ward and in the process.
Mrs.AkataOghenero, a nursing officer 11, in company of some student nurses who were
present,immediately stood up to acknowledge his presence. While the said commissioner and
his entourage walked through to the maternity ward.
Shortly afterwards,Mrs.AkataOghenero,while seated and receiving an emergency call on her
cell phone, suddenly heard a slap on her right cheek with a thunderous voice why did you not
stand up the second time‖ and when she turned her Face, she discovered her assailant to be
Dr. Joseph Otumara, who was still fuming At this point Mrs AkataOghenero was speechless,
humiliatedand could not help but weep.
However, the forum for justice and human rights defence FJHD, in Delta State has demanded
that the commissioner should tender an unreserved apology to the nurse or resign his
appointment as he is not a fit told a public office.
SIWES Holds Orientation for 2011/2012 IT Students
By Utalor Jennifer and Uyabeme Cynthia
Student‘s Industrial Work Experience (SIWES) of Delta State University, Abraka held its
orientation Programme at the Faculty of Social Sciences Large Lecture Theatre (FSSLLT) on
27th March aimed at properly enlightening students on their industrial training (IT) exercise.
Director of SIWES and wife of the vice chancellor, Professor D. O Arubayi while
addressing students at the orientation disclosed that SIWES is very valuable to the
programme of students and that the orientation will enable students know what they are
expected to do. She went further to say that the programme is an avenue for students to see
and use things that are not in the school.
Prof. Mrs.Arubayi encouraged students to be a part of the industrial training exercise
and advised them to conduct their self in a good manner. She warned that if students fail to
do what they are expected to do, they will repeat the exercise and that the programme is part
of their requirement for the degree. Lecturers and Heads of department were present at the
orientation.
Mr.Moyero from the department of Pharmacy talked about the vision and objective of
SIWES; According to him, the programme is to prepare students for industrial work situation
they are expected to meet after graduation. He explained that for students to the exposed, it is
important for them to go to the right organization for their industrial training. He also said
that one objective of the programme is to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

10. Also present at the orientation programme was Dr S. I. Efe, head of department
geography and regional planning, who delivered a talk on the role of lecturers and how
students are expected to write their report at the end of the six months SIWES programme.
Dr.Efe stated that lecturers who are expected to supervise the students are suppose to
go to the industry where the students are doing their industrial training exercise and interact
with them to get relevant information on how they are faring and performing in that
establishment.
Dr. F. P. Olise from the department of Mass Communication spoke on placement
processes and stated that the first step in the SIWES programme is purchasing the form. He
also spoke on how students should seek for organization for their industrial training
programme.
SIWES programme was described as a national programme and the organizational
programmee of SIWES was stated out for students. The vice chancellor as the chief executive
of the SIWES programme, directly responsible to him, is the director of SIWES and below
the SIWES director are the various heads of department, SIWES coordinators from each
Departments, placement officers; who are senior staffs in SIWES department.
National University Council (NUC) and industrial training fund (ITF) are national
bodies regulating the SIWES programme. Students were described as the beneficiaries of the
industrial training programme, because they are the ones to be trained, thereby, bridging the
gap between the classroom and the industry.
Students were given the opportunity to ask questions and answers were proffered to
their questions.
DELSU ASUU EMBARKS ON A WEEK SIT AT HOME OVER INSECURITY
BY OMOLU NDIDI FAVOUR, AKPELU FAITH
Delta State University, (DELSU), Delta State Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of
University, ASUU has embarked on one week sit at home over the state of insecurity in and
out of the University.
Branch chairman, Dr. Emmanuel Mordi in an interview with Delsu Echo disclosed
that the Union decided to go on a week stay at home as a result of series of kidnapping and
robbery incident within the University.
―We felt we were not safe and no security in the environment to discharge our
responsibilities, so the action was taken as a measure of self preservation and also to draw the
attention of the university authorities and state government to the need to provide adequate
security in campus‖.
Mordi said that ―the wife of the ASUU chairman was kidnapped in November last
year. A non-academic staff, the lab technologist and his wife was also kidnapped during that
same period outside the university campus‖.
―Right inside the campus, a non-academic staff of the university, Mrs.Muoboghare
was kidnapped. Thereafter, a sociology lecturer was kidnapped‖.
Mordi recounted that before now, there has been series of robbery in staff quarters
which ASUU protested during that period and asked the school authority to take some
measures to secure lives and properties of staff and students but no action was taken.
―The only way to drive home our point for the University and state government to
assure us of our safety and security on campus was to stay at home‖.

11. Mordi said that, after one week ASUU returned back to school. He further disclosed
that security men are mounted at campus entrance with some arm security device and security
men also patron the town. He said that there is not much that has been done ―No official
pronouncement from the university either in secular, bulletin or memo assuring us that
security measures has been taken‖.
However, the spokemen of the police Charles Muka has said two suspects have been
arrested in addition to the one arrested in connection of Mrs.Muoboghare‘s kidnap.
MTN Foundation Awards Scholarships to 1,125 Students
By OgbeborEbehitale
The MTN foundation scholarship scheme has awarded scholarships to 913 science
and technology students and 112 visually impaired students from Nigerian universities,
polytechnics, monotechnics, and colleges of education.
The scholarship scheme held an award ceremony where they awarded the sum of
N200, 000 to each student to cover tuition, books, allowance and stipends for one academic
year. The award ceremony which took place at .Abuja, Owerri and Lagos on the 20th of
March, 26th of March and 2nd of April respectively had in attendance staffs and members of
MTN foundation, awardees and dignitaries from across the country including the Vice
Chancellor of Federal University of Technology Owerri and the National President, Nigerian
Association of the Blind.
The MTN foundation director, Mr Dennis Okoro and
MTN foundation executive secretary, NonnyUgboma in
their different welcome addresses at the three- award
ceremony centres, admonished the students to be more
dedicated to their studies, so as to continue benefiting
from the MTh foundation Scholarship.
The highpoint of the ceremony was the
presentation of certificate of Award by the Director and
the Executive Secretary of MTN foundation to selected
awardees.
Some of the awardees could not hide their joy,
as they were seen rejoicing with smiles on their faces. In
a quick chat with DELSU ECHO‘s some of the
awardees said that they were very happy with the
honour given to them by MTN foundation and they
prayed that MTN would grow form strength to strength.

12. An interview with the vice chancellor professor Eric Arubayi on the day of
commissioning
By Omorojor Paul
Sir, we are witnessing something that has never happened in the history of Delta State
University (DELSU) as far as academic institution is concerned. So can you just in a nut
shell tell us what we have just witnessed today?
First of all, I have to thank the gentlemen of the press, staff, students and the governing
council of the university. What we have done today is a collective effort of everybody and
what you have seen today is what we have been able to put in place within the past two years
of this administration. The eight projects that have been commissioned were done from the
Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the university. We give glory to God that the
administration of this university has been in one team; my deputy VC, registrar, bursar,
Liberians, provost, deans of faculties and heads of departments. They have all been very very
corporative, results are now released. We had arrears of results three- four years back, but
gradually, we have overcome that.
So today, we have commissioned six (6) lecture halls, each of them sitting 300 students. We
decided to go in this, because when I came in as VC two years ago, we found out almost
many of our students during lectures are outside the classroom because lecture spaces were
not just available, considering the number of students that we have. So with these lectures

13. halls, it will be able to ease some of all these conjunction that hitherto we had. We also had
the problem of trying to generate some funds. We have a limited liability company of the
university which is DELSU Investment Limited (DIL) and through them; we have been able
to do many things. The trash cans the seats under the trees, they made them and we
commissioned them to build a petrol station for the university. On your way to Obiaruku, the
Conoil you see on the right, you say cone oil DELSU that is the DELSU petrol station.
Nobody thought that there would be fuel scarcity, we never envisage that but now, both staff
and students and indeed the community are all benefiting from the petrol station, we sell at
cost price 97 Naira per litre and when you get there, you see the queue so long, but so long as
we have the product, we sell. We sell kerosene and diesel.
We tarred all the roads in the two major residential area they call them the green roof and the
brown roof. Then we tarred the major road to where you saw the commissioning of the
classroom, the lecture halls, the water scheme and the electricity projects all totalling 2.3km
of roads we tarred them last year. Then coming to campus II we also commission the e-
library. The e-library has been one of the major problems in our inability to get accreditation
in some of our programmes. Today we are now happy that we now have e-library with about
120 pc‘s with internet access running 24 hours fully air-conditioned and our staff and
students can go in there, browse and access the internet. Then in campus I we also
commission a classroom built by the institute of Education from their own profit generated
from their own proceeds. They have built a classroom and six lecture offices for their
lecturer. The final spot was the commissioning of the DELSU waters producing both sachet
and table water, it‘s a state of the act, the all and all. It‘s a fantastic project and this is one of
the avenues to which we use to generate money not only generating money but providing
neat, clean and pure water for both our students, our staff and both our community and they
will have confidence when they know that they are buying DELSU water, because the
processing is impeccable. So that is the little I have to say about it.
What has been the major challenge this administration have faced two years back?
The major challenge is funding. We need a lot of funds to be injected into the system before
we can say we are out of the woods. Many of our facilities have not really reached there. If
you visit some other Universities both in Nigeria and abroad, you know that most of the
things, we inherited in Delta State University were the things built in the days of College of
Education.
Gradually, things are being built; the state government through direct intervention is building
an administrative structure in site III which is supposed to be a five story building, with all
the facilities to accommodate Management. And in the Oleh campus, they are also building
the Law faculty and also structures for the Engineering faculty. In the Asaba campus, they
have completely renovated the library there and we are getting the library ready for
accreditation visit in another three weeks from now. They are building a male hostel amongst
other things. So, the challenges really, are funds and if we can get the funds, we will know
that we are there. The other major challenge is, you know, that Abraka and Oleh are in a rural
environment and there are some professional programmes that are in these places, where we
find it difficult to attract professional Lecturers, professional professors because when you
want to engage them, they will tell you that ―what am I going to do in a village‖ and that has
been one of our problems for getting people into places like Pharmacy, Medical Sciences,
Clinical Sciences, Engineering and Law. But we are trying the little we can to see how we
can augment in one way or the other either engaging people on sabbatical or adjourn

14. Lecturers or some of them that are retired but not yet tired, to come and fill in the gap and
impact some knowledge in some of all these professional areas.
What will you say specifically that you can count on that this administration has done?
Well, the administration has funded us, paid us our salaries as at when due. Because the
wage bill of this University is heavy, very heavy. I don‘t need to mention the amount but I
want to emphasize it again that it is very heavy and we get this money regularly from the
Government. There are also some direct interventions that His Excellency has done and he
has also promised that some money should be released to this University for car refurbishing
loan for staff of the University. There are so many I cannot name them.
Just before we let you go, what’s your dream for the Delta State University?
I foresee a Delta State University that will rank among committee of nations, rank very high.
Right now, within Nigeria, we are climbing up, within the World, we are very far away. Not
only Delta State University, but indeed, all Nigerian Universities. But I know that maybe not
in my life time, in the life time of my predecessors, Delta State University will be seen as a
University to beat. It‘s in my dream and I may not be alive when that dream will come but
wherever I am, I will say yes when the pressmen were with me, I said it. So I want to thank
you all once again.
Sir, you said your job is done, as you are leaving this office, what would the people
remember you for?
I want people to remember me for following rules and regulations. Whether you are from the
very wealthy or you are from the very poor, I look at you as one. And I also want people to
remember me that during my five years of sojourn by the grace of God, Delta State
University was able to achieve so many things both in terms of human capital development
and also in terms of physical human facilities and development.
Thank you very much for your time sir
You are welcome.
ONE ON ONE WITH PROFESSOR PATRICK, THE FIRST PROFESSOR OF
DERMATOGLYPHICS IN NIGERIA
By EdogeOrevaoghene and OkitikpiOgheneochuko Edith
Within and outside the walls
of Delta State University,
Professor Patrick Igbigbi
needs no introduction. As the

15. first professor of dermatoglyphics in the country and the current provost of Asaba
Campus of Delta State University, he is well acclaimed. OrevaogheneEdoge and Edith
Okitikpi met with him during the 5th Anatomical Students Society of Nigeria
(ASSON) conference where he revealed some of his principles of success.
Sir please can we meet you?
I am Patrick Igbigbi, a professor of Anatomy and currently the provost of
Asaba Campus of Delta State University.
What is this conference all about?
Anatomy has a wide variety of areas and Human print is one of them. Annually
the students meet to discuss issues surrounding that theme. This edition hosted by
DELSU has the theme ―clinical and Applied Anatomy of the Human Prints‖.
What does “Clinical and Applied Anatomy of the Human Prints” mean?
Everybody has prints which are unique to them. For instance, my finger print is
not the same as yours. All of us have unique finger prints and that is the beauty of the
whole thing. We are different from one another; even identical twins do not have the
same finger prints. We apply Human prints in nature like it is used for personal
identity when applying for passport. Apart from that, it has medical benefits in the
aspect of disease diagnosis for diabetics, hypertension, etc.
We heard from a reliable source that you were the analyst in charge of the feud
between Chief Ogboru of the Democratic People’s Party (DPI?) and
Dr.EmmimmianuelEwetanIlduaghan of the People’s Democratic Party (POP) both
candidates of the 2011 governorship elections. How did you handle the case and
what were your findings?
What I presented was clear that the method by which these prints were taken
were not right and because they were not right, it was difficult to identify whether
somebody voted otherwise. My conclusion was that what we saw was not finger prints
but finger marks.
You have attained a high status in the field of anatomy can you share with us how
you did it?
I am actually a medical doctor and I had a clinic in Port-Harcourt when I
started teaching but when I looked at it, 1 realised I was just punishing myself because
at night I didn‘t sleep, I was either delivering a baby or something else for just a little
sum of money. I decided it was not the way to go and so I went for a master‘s degree

16. in Anatomy and I chose neural-anatomy (relating to brain). I picked human prints
(dermatoglyphics) for my doctorate and became the first professor of dermatoglyphics
in Nigeria. That was why when the Delta State government was searching for
someone to analyse the prints used in the elections, I was chosen.
So just pick areas where you will excel and people would look for you. Now if
I am looking for a job and they ask, ‗okay you did anatomy?‘ and I say ‗yes‘ and they
ask ‗what branch of anatomy can you handle?‘ and I tell them that I can teach neural
anatomy, obviously they will employ me because you can count the number of neural
anatomists in this country. On that aspect, they will pick me and give me the job. That
is how I have been able to work in Uganda, Malawi and I keep on moving from place
to place. In fact, when I was in Malawi I was with a job, I had a job here at DELSU
and I also had a job in Port-Harcourt at the same time all running currently. I am doing
alt these not because I am special, but because I picked unique areas and followed
them.
So basically sir, we just have to take that step to go further and not just relax after
first degree?
Yes, go further and pick an area where you would be unique.
Sir not everyone knows the importance or is aware of fingerprints, so please throw
more light on it.
I have just told you one very important part of it - its use in electoral practices.
Since we all have our unique finger prints, if we take our prints properly, in electoral
materials, it would be very easy to catch anybody who is voting otherwise because the
persons prints will be the same and then you can remove all the ones that have done
that and we will be able to carry out ‗one man, one vote‘. There are also other uses
like in medical genetics, identification of diseases, identification of individuals, etc.
So my opinion is that if the country wants to have a good election in 2015, they
should make sure that we have finger prints and not finger marks.
From what you have said do you think the federal government are making plans
towards using human prints in future elections?
Personally, I don‘t have an idea but I know that during the last election, I
conducted a manual as well as electronic print check. So 1 am suggesting that if they

17. want to get this right, they should resort to using the electronic method until we are
able to get the manual method very well.
What is your general advice for the use of finger prints?
For the electoral commission, they should have the database of all voting age
groups in the country done properly and then after an election, the votes should be
counted electronically and anybody‘s vote that has been duplicated should be removed
so that they can count effectively in the nation.
What is your general advice to students?
Just find something unique in any area and that is why if you are sweeping a
place, sweep it well and they would look for you but many people tend to say is it not
ordinary sweeping? Many people can be sweeping but you may be a specialist in
sweeping. So pick a unique area and do your best no matter where or what you are
doing.
EBI: ABILITY IN DISABILITY
By IyegbuChibueze
The ability to handle challenges and turn
them into stepping stones for our greatness
is what makes us victors and indeed that‘s
who OgbeborEbehitale is. Her enthusiasm
for life is far greater than her challenges.
‗Ebi‘ as she is fondly called was born
visually impaired but does not see this
challenge as a reason for failure and her
immeasurable courage is taking her to the
top amidst her challenge.
Delsu Echo had a chat with her where she
told us more about herself.
Please can we know you better?

18. I am OgbeborEbehitale, a third year student in the department of Mass Communication, Delta
State University, Abraka.
Tell us about your family background.
I come from a family of six. I am the third child and also the third girl out of four children.
Tell us about your educational background
For my primary education, I attended School for the Blind Primary School, Benin City while
for my secondary education, I attended Idia College Benin City, where I was a boarder for six
years. I graduated from secondary school in the year 2007 and I got admission into the
university 2009.
Throughout your Primary and Secondary School education did you face any challenges
especially with other pupils and students?
My primary school was nice because it was a special school and so I didn‘t really face
challenges because I was opportuned to attend a primary school with other visually impaired
people. In my secondary school, I had to mix up with other students who were not visually
impaired and so it was a little bit challenging but even other students face challenges, it was
okay overall.
How do you cope with house chores?
My mummy taught me how to do things. I can cook; I can wash clothes and dishes, and any
domestic work. I don‘t really need much assistance in that aspect
What do you love doing apart from school activities?
I love singing, it gives me joy. I like reading but I don‘t really have access to books because
brailed books are not common in this part of the country.
Did you always want to study mass communication?
As at when I wrote my first WAEC, I didn‘t know what I was coming to school to study, but
within the period I was at home, I had the opportunity to watch ‗New Dawn‘ hosted by
FunmiIyanda and that was when I decided that I wanted to study Mass Communication, she
also became my mentor.
Why did you choose to stay in the School Hostel when even non-physically challenged
people find it hard?
Throughout my secondary school days, I was in the hostel, so naturally, when I came to the
university I chose the school hosteland it was not hard adapting due to my previous
experience in secondary school.
When you first entered the university for the first time as an undergraduate, were you
scared?

19. No, I was not because I knew other visually impaired persons that had succeeded and I
believed that since I was able to cope in my secondary school mixed with people with
different physical challenges and those without, it would not be much of a challenge. In fact I
was the only visually impaired person in my class of about 150 persons, so I just had the
belief that I just had to put in more effort in the university that I can make it
Do you get self conscious when people stare at you, or point fingers at you?
I always expect people to point fingers or stare at me. I am a special person; there is no crime
at them pointing fingers at me because if I am in the crowd, I am easily noticed. I am not
always bordered.
Do you always get assistance or help fromothers?
Yes, I have many friends, too numerous to mention that render assistance to me. My course
mates, my roommates, and even friends that have graduated, have given me assistance. My
family have also been very supportive too.
How do you read and write exams?
I record with a tape recorder when lectures are going on and when I get to my hostel I
transcribe them into Braille notes. For materials that are not brailed, I get someone around to
record them and then listen to them subsequently. To write my exams I use my typewriter.
Do you have challenges with reading and writing exams?
The only challenge I have is with reading especially printed or hand written materials because
it is not always easy finding someone to read it but I don‘t have problems with brailed
materials.
What do you aspire to be?
I would like to be a renowned public relations officer both nationally and internationally, God
willing.
Who are your sponsors?
There are so many people sponsoring me. My family, the former Chaplain of Delta State
University, they are so many of them that I can‘t even mention.
Are you in a relationship?
No, I am not.
Why?
I believe that I cannot serve two masters at the same time. I want the best out of my education
and so it comes first before any other thing, and after that every other thing including a
relationship will follow.

20. Are there times when you feel sad or depressed?
Yes, there are times when I feel sad and depressed because if I have anything to do especially
if I have a written material to record so that I can study and I can‘t find someone to help me
out, I feel bad because that‘s the major assistance I need, that‘s when I tend to question God,
sometimes I go to the extent of crying but I know that everything happens for a reason and
that the worst happens to get the best.
What has been your drive towards success?
My drive is my mum; she has being praying for me to be the best among my peers a person
and provides the best she can for me. I also tell myself I don‘t have any reason what so ever
to fail and that if I fail I won‘t forgive myself because despite the fact that I am visually
impaired it is not enough reason for me to fail; others have done it and so can I.
Nafdac plans re-certification of water factories
By Akpelu Faith, Erhenede Augustine
The Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and
Control, (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhi has said the Agency has concluded plans to carry
out a recertification of all sachet water factories irrespective of registration status. This
was disclosed in Abuja during a one day sensitization workshop for water factories.
Recently, he noted that over 3,679 water producing factories in the country are yet to
be registered and certified by the agency.
The Director General that the exercise was necessary for the purpose of capturing
biometric data of all clients and stakeholders of products regulated by NAFDAC as a
means of building strong data base to ease regulation. In the words of Dr.Orhi
measures are in place to ensure the quality of packaged water through the process of
good manufacturing practice, inspection, laboratory analysis and registration of the
product‖.
He also pointed out that ‗sanctions have been applied to all identified cases, including
prosecutions‘.
In a related development, the agency has begun a recertification workshop across the
country. This was held for Edo and Delta States at the Bishops court at Asaba, Delta
State.
Tagged, ―packaged water: the importance of quality; the workshop was held in order
to equip the sector with the necessary information required to process good and
quality water for drinking.
Mrs.Hauwa Keri, Director, establishment inspection in her keynote address said that
the business of water in linked to health and survival, therefore, it is in the best interest
of all to provide good and quality water for the populace, as good and quality water
prevents diseases such as cholera and typhoid.

21. LECTURER COMMITS SUICIDE IN DELTA STATE
byIKPONMWOBA EKINADOSE WENDY
A lecturer at the college of Education Agbor in Delta State, Mr. Philip
OkechukwuOkafor has allegedly taken his own life. Okafor, who was a lecturer in the
department of economics, committed suicide in his residence at the DDPA low income house
estate, Agbor.
The lecturer, who hails from IsseleMkpitirne in Aniocha North local government area
of the state, was said to have committed the act by hanging himself with a green rope on the
ceiling fan in his bedroom. Although the reason for the act was not known. His wife, a
teacher and his five children had gone to school on this fateful day he committed the act.
It was learnt that the deceased conducted morning devotion in his apartment where his
entire family members actively participated on the day of this incident.
A source said when the widow and her five children returned from school and wanted
to gain entrance through the front door to their apartment, they discovered that the door was
locked form the inside. According to the source, her effort to pass through the back door was
also fruitless as the door was locked from behind. She was said to have raised alarm which
attracted neighbors who forcefully open the door only to discover the body of the lecturer
dangling from the ceiling fan:
The dumbfounded neighbors were said to have invited the police at the Agbor
divisional police station, who came and removed the corpse to the morgue at the central
hospital Agbor.
DELSU HOLDS 26TH INNUGURAL LECTURE
By OGBEBOR EBEHITALE, IYEGBU CIHBUEZE, ERENEDE AUGUSTINE
Delta State University Abraka held the
26th series of inaugural lectures on the 29th of
March 2012 at the Pre-degree auditorium.
The inaugural lecture was taken by Professor
Gabriel IjegbunamOkeibunoBadifu a professor
of food and science and technology which was
titled ―untapped treasures of our daily bread‖
The lecture which was attended by
many dignitaries including the commissioner of
basic and secondary education professor Patrick
Muoboghare. The vice chancellor Delta State university Professor Eric Arubayi and other
principal officers of delta state university, started at about 2:40pm with an academic
procession which was led by the deputy registrar senate.
The introduction and citation of the inaugural lecturer was delivered by the university
orator, Professor A. A. Angala. He informed the guests about the organizational background
and qualifications of the inaugural lecturer of which are C & G (London), B.Sc..M.Sc. and

22. PhD (Ile-Ife), and professorship on October 2000. At this point he was invited by the orator
to ―perform the ritual dance of the intellectual masquerade.
At the inaugural lecture, professor Badifu noted that there are two types of food; food
of the flesh and food of the spirit, he asked for permission to unveil the food of the flesh with
the food of the spirit, he concentrated more on the food of the flesh and he focused on two
wide consumed commodities- melon kernel and mango mesocap. He pointed different
usefulness and importance of melon kernel and Mango mesocap to individuals, families and
the society at large where he said that melon kernel can be used for frying and mango
mesocap rather than allow to be wasted during mango season can be stored and processed
into floor for baking bread and other edible foods.
He concluded that melon and mango mesocap could serve as a source of livelihood
for developing countries like Nigeria if his ideas were adopted by relevant bodies.
FEAR GRIP C.E.P STUDENTS
BYOgu Precious
Students of Institute of Continuous Education, Delta state university, Abraka, has
expressed fear following the recent pronouncement by Nigeria University Commission
(NUC) restraining Nigerian University from admitting students into part-time programmes
pending when necessary modalities are put in place.
A cross section of CEP students who bear their mind on the issue expressed fear over
the latest development, saying that they are grappling with fear over their academic fate. In
words that are already in the programme are scared because we don‘t know if we will be
given certificate after graduation‖.
It will be recall that earlier this week, the unpleasant news of temporarily jettison of
part-time programmes came to the who has been living in a perpetual fear regarding their
academic field following a protracted rumor pertaining to the authenticity of the programme.
However, some lecturers have made an appreciable effort in allaying the fear in the
mind of CEP students, admonishing them to be studious and try to avert carryover before
graduating in order to avert foreseeable problem. They further enjoined them to stop being
inferior to their regular counterpart and compete keenly with them.
DELSU SUG GETS NEW EXCO, LEGISLATURE
By Obadimu Alexander, Okitikpi Edith, Erhenede Augustine, Omorojor Paul
The Vice Chancellor (V.C) Prof. Eric
Arubaye has sworn in the newly elected
Students Union Government (SUG) led
by Com. NuwheleThankgod as
president. This took place at the pre-
degree hall of site III of the Delta State

23. University, Abraka on Thursday March 15th.
Speaking at the ceremony, the V.C. charged the new exco to accommodate all losers in the
spirit of democracy, as well as ensuring that they serve the entire students with probity and
accountability.
While assuring the new exco of an open door policy and fair treatment to all students,
the V.C. admonished the exco to beware of the syndrome of godfatherism and advising them
initiate policies and programmes geared towards enhancing the welfare of students. He also
urged them to be servants to the students.
In his acceptance speech, Nuhwele assured student of his administration‘s desire to
implement policies, programmes and projects geared towards improving their lots. He
however called on presidentGoodluck Jonathan to sign the radio licences of the Delsu Radio
to enable it start operation stressing the need for information, communication enlightenment
and entertainment of management, staff students and communities around.
Earlier in his brief remarks, the Dean of Students Affairs, Dr. A. O. Akpomedaye said
the keenly contested SUG elections saw the emergence of 70 persons led by com.
NuhweleThankgod as president positions at Hall of residents, senate and students‘
Representative council levels.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the administration of oath of office on the elected
officers by the University Registrar, Mr.EjirogheneUdjo. Other dignitaries present at the
ceremony include Prof. R. B. Ikomi (DVC Academics), staff and students.
In a related development, the legislative arm comprising the supreme student‘s senate
(SSS) and the students‘ Representative Council (SRC) has been inaugurated at the SUG
secretariat at the site II of Delta State University, Abraka.
The president of SUG NuhweleThankgod in conjunction with the student affairs Dean
Dr. A. O. Akpomedaye ably represent b y his deputy Mr.Ufuophu- Biri Emmanuel,
conducted and election for the SSS and SRC respectively. This saw the emergence of senate
president and secretary for SSS and speaker and clark for the SRC.
Ighotomo, Onyeche win SOSSA Election… Others unopposed
By: Ogbeide Blessing,Uyagbeme Cynthia
Ighotomo Kelvin of the
department of sociology and
psychology has emerged winner of
the just concluded SOSSA
elections for President of SOSSA
held at the Faculty of Social
Sciences large Lecture Theatre
ground on the 6 of March, 2012.
Ighotomo Kelvin polled a total
vote of 469 to beat his rival,
ELikwuEmeka Victor of Economics Department who polled a total vote of 269.
Onyechie Victor Rex of Geography and Regional Planning has also in the same
election beaten his opponent, Iroghe James Kess for the position of the Director of

24. Finance. Onyeche polled a total vote of 389 votes to beat Iroghe who polled 240
votes.
Election commenced at 9.00 a.m. on the 6th of March 2012 with students of the
various departments in the faculty of the Social Sciences coming out to cast their vote.
The Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Professor Benjamin Okaba,
declared the winners immediately after the collation of the total votes cast at the
election ground.
From various quarters, the election is seen as the freest and fairest election so
far and that the contestants and other members of the association did not write any
petition pertaining to the outcome of the election.
In a related development, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof D.C.
Awharitefe, Head of the Department of Political Science, Dr F. A. Sanubi have
praised the conduct of the election, describing it as free and fair. This
acknowledgement was made during the swearing in of executive officers of SOSSA.
The presence of security men at the election ground created an avenue for the
peaceful conduct of the election. The Cadet and members of the National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) played the security role throughout the election
period. The atmosphere was serene, calm and quiet for the election.
Those who returned unopposed in the election include Opone Rosemary
(VicePresident), Ozuem Paul (Secretary General), UbaEsiri (Director of Welfare),
Erueme Henry(Director of Information/PRO), Akpoveta Justice (Chief Editor), and
AkpotorEjiro (Directorof Socials). Others are Sule Dele (Treasurer),
OtomewoOmonigho (Director of Sports), IghoRaleigh (Director of Special Duties),
Onuwa Michael (Assistant Director of Finance) andOkonji Ephraim (Assistant
Secretary General).
In another development, lectures were put on hold in the Departments of
Sociology, Geography and Regional Planning, Mass Communication, Political
Science and Business Administration because of SOSSA elections.
DELTA STATE TO OPEN ICT PARK
BY OMOLU NDIDI FAVOUR
The Delta State government is set to open an Information and Communication Technology
(ICT) Park in Asaba to help boost the economic development of the State. This was made
known in Asaba by the Senior Special Adviser to the State governor, Mr: Sunny Ofili.
Mr.Ofili disclosed that the intention of the government to open the ICT Park is to provide
more than 15,000 jobs for her citizenry. He also said that the ICT Park would also be used to
train people in computer programming in local languages.
He further stated that the ICT Park will help to better the lives of the people because it will
not only train job seekers but it would train people to become entrepreneurs.
Mr.Ofili also said that the government would ensure that there is more concentration of ICT
in schools across the state. This would help students to have basic computer education and
become computer literate‖ he concluded.

25. STUDENT DIES IN FIRE OUTBREAK
ERUSIAFE OGHENERO DORAH
Matthew Oluku a 300 level student from the department of chemistry of Delta State
University has died in a fire disaster in his room along Ekrejeta road, Abraka
It was gathered that the victims were reading with a candle with his room mate last
night when they slept off leaving the candle burning. Unknowing, the room was engulfed by
fire.
The fire was extinguished while the victims were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
The incident attracted neighbours around who came to rescue the occupants only to discover
that one of them had given up and the other seriously injured. A an eye witness said; it is
terrible that these things are happening. If you look at them you cannot even eat meat.
The Family of the victims wept when they heard what happened and the victims
mother almost committed suicide been that he is the only son of the family.
According to the doctor, his condition is very critical and they have to carry out a
major operation on EseUdi who is the other victim and also from the same department with
Matthew Oluku.
DELSU STUDENT SHOT
BY OMOLU NDIDI FAVOUR
Gunmen suspected to be cultist on Thursday afternoon, the 15 day of March shot a
student of Delta State University, Abraka around the school premises.
An eye witness reports that the student was believed to be a cultist. Report has it that
the student was trailed from inside the campus to off campus. The eye witness further stated
that on getting to the Abraka small market close to campus 2 of the University, the student
was attacked by three boys suspected to be cult rival who fought with him and shot him three
times on his head leaving him half dead in his pool of blood.
Report says that sympathizers took him to an undisclosed hospital. It was later
gathered that the student died on Saturday, 17 March at the State University teaching
hospital, Oghara.
NADESSTU vows to improve student’s fortunes
By ANANI FRANCA
Leadership of National Association of Delta State Student Union, NADESSTU, has
said it was committed to working with Delta State. Government to improve the fortunes of
Students of the State Origin.
NADESSTU, in a Statement by its National Public Relations officer, Mr. Harrison
Oritseweginmi, in Ughelli said they were compelled to react to recent media reports.
He said; ―We are partners in progress; therefore, we cannot intimidate and will not
attempt to intimidate or embarrass a government that increased by student‘s bursary by100
percent‖

26. Noting that the bursary was being paid regularly, it stated that the state government
had also awarded scholarships to both undergraduate and post graduate students of the state
origin.
The union insisted that it could not afford to fight a government that had employed,
appointed and empowered a crop of former student leaders in the state, saying, ―The
government had also provided vehicles for NADESSTU to ease its activities‖.
ARTICLES
Missing score palava
By Erueme Henry
She was probably in her twenties, well-
shaped, tall, beautiful, graceful, and dark
complexioned. She sat at the entrance of the
Faculty of Social Sciences large lecture hall,
her left hand placed under her jaw for
support, her eyes gazing at the air, absent
minded with tears flowing from her eyes like
a river flowing into a delta. She was a victim;
‗a victim of missing scores palava‘.
Missing score is the unavailability of the raw
score for a candidate in an examination. This means that there will be no score for the candidate
in such a course.
It goes beyond just writing an examination to filling the details at the front of the answer
booklet, that is, matriculation number, department, faculty, course code and title, etc. This is
where the students are at fault. Some students just rush into the examination and fail to write
their data as provided in the answer booklet. This is a major cause of missing score. Where do
you expect the examiner to produce your scores from? One must be very careful when writing
an examination. The first thing to do in an examination is to fill in these data for proper
identification of your booklet.

27. Another cause of missing score is the mixing up of two or more departments to write exams in
the same hall. In this case, it may be the mistake of those presiding over the examination or the
students. On the part of the presiding officer, he/she may direct students to submit all in the
same place after which they will be sorted. But mistakes are bound to happen; mistakes may
come from sorting. Where this is the case, a student of Department ―A‖ may have his script in
Department ―B‖. The implication is there will be no score for such a candidate.
There are also some indolent students who do not want to sit up and read their books. They
wallow in laziness as if it were their birth right because they know that they have not read, they
capitalise on any avenue to leave the hall with their answer booklet and write their names on
the attendance list in the examination. Then such students blame the lecturer of that course for
the missing score they actually perpetuated.
Staffs are also part of the cause of missing scripts. Sometimes careless staffs do not take notice
when some scripts fall off the others. Some of them sometimes also make mistakes when they
attempt to carry these booklets from place to place, leaving some in the process. What about
carefulness while invigilating examinations—at least to make sure attendance is taken strictly
for those who are present and not those who are absent? Some students may write their friend‘s
name even when he/she is not around. This calls for vigilance.
Like many other victims, this damsel cries and hopes endlessly for intervention to this problem.
She is between the devil and the deep blue sea. She is stagnated, dejected and lives in perpetual
state of fear of the unknown. ―I pray God intervenes in this my case because I am frustrated‖
she said.
It is pitiable and painful that one has to rewrite an examination that has been written and
written well. Only God can remedy these wrongs.
Glorifying evil perpetuates it
By OmagbemiMisan
The outcry against the rising incidents of crime and lawlessness in the country has now risen to
the level of a national emergency. Something needs to be done about it urgently. The media are
awash with reports of felons terrorizing innocent Nigerians in criminal acts possible only in a
society where law and order do not exist. This is compounded by the impunity with which they
are carried out.

28. Every Nigerian now wants to be a millionaire. Business houses, hoodlums and politicians are
capitalizing on that development. They promote all kinds of computerized ―win-a-million‖
chance games, and raffles. I have never been a fan of lotteries but was once caught in one of
their cobwebs and regretted it.
What Nigerians do for money is unthinkable. Those in offices manipulate figures while others
in private sectors engage in such crimes as 419, armed robbery and cheating. In the course of
these, they apply their intelligence to devising strategies that ensure that their victims are
roundly robbed, even if it entails killing. The unfortunate thing about this is that the ordinary
Nigerian has acquired a sad culture of glorifying profligacy.
Whenever a crook arrives at a party, usually late, and accompanied by an entourage of praise
singers, everybody competes to accord him undeserved regard. We do this even as we know
that he is an unfit and undeserving person to be honoured. How he acquired his wealth
especially, if he skilfully announces a fat donation in a pledge that he often does not intend to
redeem, no longer concerns us.
Persons of doubtful character will build large and amorphous houses they may never be able to
maintain or wish to live in only to show off wealth, albeit and ill-gotten. He hosts the
community in a lavish opening ceremony that invites acclamation and reverence.
Nobody asks how he made the money. Every million spent on the house was not unlikely to
have been stolen with loaded guns in both hands. Nigerians should learn to distance themselves
from evil men; snub them, and stop lionizing them. We should instead make them know,
always, that we abhor them for their immoral and wanton behaviour.
They do not deserve the respect they get. We can start doing all the above by never again
conferring chieftaincy titles on them for their money. They must be restrained from
intimidating honest men with their affluence. Exalting a dishonest person only serves as an
encouragement for dishonesty. It sends the wrong message to growing youths.
When we stop glorifying felons, they will begin to realise how mean they are. It will then occur
to them that the time has come for a reform.

29. The man made disaster
By Omorojor Paul
At speed averaging 600 miles per hour, in the open ocean definitely more than the speed of an
aircraft, it took the Asia coast by storm. A tsunami almost currently generated by earth-quake; a
natural disaster that has left Asia and part of the western coast with memories too painful to
forget.
Fortunately, these natural disasters are alien to our beloved country ―Nigeria‖. However it pains
me that a country blessed with God‘s gift of calmness and ecological balance, we have decided
to manufacture our own disaster - a man made foster, moving in a most versatile dimension,
ravaging the very fabrics of our existence in our nation, a man made disaster, corruption
moving at an alarming speed, quicker than any tsunami.
Corruption has reduced our nation to almost a state of anarchy; a multi republic that virtually
every sector has been destroyed by its fuel, a man made disaster that has given us a medal, not
an Olympic medal but a medal of indignity as the second most corrupt nation in the world.
Who are those painting us black before the world? Who are those behind this? Men of
intelligence without integrity, thoughtless leaders of thought, those who polish pebble and
darken diamond, making the defenceless citizens exiled in their own land. I remind those that
are continually tearing the garment of honour to remember that they will eventually wear the
mask of disgrace.
Nigerians! Delsuites! It is time to cry out, it is time to brace up to the challenge; it is time to put
an end to this ugly trend. Remember, in the 1950s the pen fought for Nigerians and gave us
independence, revolution fought for Iranians, Egyptians, Libyans and others too numerous to
mention. Is it not time to fight corruption with our last blood for our dear country?
Journalists don‘t allow your pen to lay waste on the bed. Stop celebrating ritualists, militants,
kidnapers, boko-haramists and start fighting corruption. Do not leave the country for groups or
sects who named themselves as EFCC or ICPC.
Nigerian Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), stop singing appraisals to those who will
only bless your bank account and trample on the spirit of Aluta. It was done before, and it can
still be done now; we can still fight this menace of corruption out of our dear country.

30. After this battle against the man made disaster have been fought and won, we will boldly say
this is our country. ―Nigeria, Good People, Great Nation‖. There is hope and we will not give
up until we win this battle.
Rage syndrome
By OmagbemiMisan
Across the world, one recognisable
behaviour pattern that afflicts
mankind today is the Rage
Syndrome. It has become so chronic
that in certain societies it is accepted
as a means of letting off steam. In
the film making industry, the more
intense the rage in portraying a
character the more successful the
actor or actress is judged to be. To
add flavour to this malaise, raging and ranting are often accompanied by kicking and punching
at any object within reach with adverse effect especially on those prone to High blood pressure
apart from possible physical injury.
We need not recount the hot words spewed out from the mouths of drivers and road users when
there is a traffic jam caused by selfish driving and lack of patience. In fact to an observer, this
phenomenon smacks of what may be described as a season of madness. Self-control which
distinguishes humans from animals is thrown in the wind and as a result, such demonstration of
unrestrained anger escalates to absurd levels and most often gives rise to disastrous
consequences.
The root cause of this obvious weakness in man is the inability to give consideration to the
feelings and the interests of others. We act as if we are the focal point of all activities and
behave like a wounded lion in the face of unfulfilled hopes and aspirations. At this point,
patience is in short supply which would have otherwise enabled one to think more deeply,
exercise self-control and avoid being trapped in the whirlpool of rage, but trapped we have
become because we have disturbed the chemistry in our system that would have prevented us
from crossing the boundary of decency.

31. There is no doubt that experiencing these days are so severe and nerves so strained that many
people seem to crack under its weight and they eventually develop a propensity for the
dangerous habit of rage. But is it really true that these experiences are imposed on us and that
we have no point in bringing them about? If this were the case then we would be mere puppets
on a string and would have no say whatsoever in our decisions. No, this cannot be true because
even the act of rage itself is a decision and we make countless decisions daily and hourly and
the thread created by these decisions drive us unfailingly towards their respective unpleasant
fulfilments. And so, we have no one to blame but ourselves in all situations. Remember also
that we often fret over a speck on other people‘s eyes while we carry a log in ours. Let us
therefore spare ourselves the agony of raging and we shall know peace and be happy.
We must therefore bear in mind that we burden ourselves with enormous guilt if through
indiscipline and boundless selfishness we cause harm to others through rage in all its
ramifications.
Towards averting strike in Nigerian universities
By IkponmwobaEkinadose
Sometimes one begins to imagine how to go forward in the educational system in Nigeria,
compared to that of other countries. Nigeria that is supposed to be the giant of Africa is actually
the giant of defeat in almost all the sectors in the country. The rich now send their children
abroad to school; this is the reason why they are not bothered if the educational system is shut
down.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), embarked on a nationwide strike last year
December demanding among other issues an increase in the funding of Nigerian universities as
well as the retiring age of university professors from 65 to 70 years.
Although, ASUU appears to have joined the few trade unions that have declared the highest
number of trade disputes and they have almost overtaken the dock workers. Not many
Nigerians raised eye brows during the strike which was an affirmation of sympathy for the
union. This sympathy is not only necessary for ASUU but also for the victims of the obvious
negative impact of their action which includes hundreds of thousands of Nigerian students,
their parents and the nation at large. One peculiar feature of ASUU trade dispute is that they
have often triggered off other national disputes in the past like the ongoing one which the
federal ministry of education is tackling.

32. However, Nigeria heaved a sigh of relief when the national assembly endorsed the increase in
the retiring age of professors. That was an indication that students will soon go back to school.
The truth of the matter is that Nigerian universities are no longer what they used to be as a
result of neglect. The universities have been starved of funds especially since the military
stripped them of the autonomy which is yet to be restored by successive democratic regime,
even as our heads of states have twice been recruited from the Ivory Tower.
The Jonathan administration should be committed to restoring the past glories of Nigerian
universities. The federal minister of education professor RuquayatuRufai has budgeted over
400 billion naira for education in the current budget recently presented by the president. This
amount may be slightly higher than the previous figure. However if this amount is fully
utilized, Nigeria will be better.
The Nigerian educational system has been fraught with different policies by different
government, thus throwing the managers of the system into confusion. Today it is the 6,3,3,4
system, tomorrow it is the 9-3-4 and another day it is admission by the Joint Admission
Examination, the following day it is the Post-Jamb. We have to be consistent, it is not the
system of examination or the examination body that is responsible for our setbacks, our
problem is caused by those who are tanning the system.
In order to sanitize our educational system, the appropriate authorities should endeavour to
allocate more funds and grant the much desired autonomy to enable adequate infrastructures
like libraries, laboratories, workshops, adequate information technology, research facilities,
training opportunities among other to be put in place. Furthermore the condition of service in
the universities should be improved to compete with international standards in order to retain
the best egg heads as well as divert their attention from corruption practices and harassment of
innocent students.
About Delta State University
By IghomrudeOke
Delta State University - popularly known as DELSU, is a state government university which
runs a multi-campus system with a main campus located in Abraka, Anwai, and prior to the
1995 amended edict, Oleh.
Delta State University, Abraka has been historically recorded as a Centre of Education. It
started as a Government Teachers‘ Training College during the colonial era and some years

33. into the post-colonial era. It became a College of Education that awarded Nigerian Certificate
of Education (NCE) from 1971-1985. In 1981, it was affiliated to the University of Benin,
Benin City and consequently offered degree programmes from 1981 till 1985 when it became
the Faculty of Education of the then Bendel State University with its main campus at Ekpoma.
The creation of Edo and Delta States in August 1991 and the conversion of the main campus of
the then Bendel State University, Ekpoma to become Edo State University in December 1991,
necessitated the establishment of an autonomous Delta State University, Abraka on 30th April,
1992 by the then Executive Governor of the State, Olorogun Felix Ibru.
The University has three sites in Abraka within a distance of about 200 km apart. With a
student population of about 36,000 (in the 2007/08 session), the University offers a range of
programmes from the diploma and degree programmes to part-time programmes. The
University offers post-graduate studies up to doctoral level.
Three tips to get that job you have been waiting for
By EdogeOrevaoghene
We all know the situation of our nation and have all
seen the headlines. Unemployment rates are at their
highest in decades. Millions of people graduate
every year into the labour market, qualified youths
are seen every day on the streets walking from one
company to the other in search of jobs. In Delta
State University alone, over 5,000 students will
graduate this year joining the millions on the search
for a job to cater for their basic human needs.
With millions more job seekers in the quest for the decreasing number of jobs, walking out of
your next interview with your dream job secured has become much more difficult. You see,
you can't change the number of jobs available neither can you get rid of the growing number of
competing job seekers but, you can change how you approach the market. You can figure out
what elements of the job hunting process you do have control over, and learn how to use them
to your advantage. You can secure your dream job, even in a fiercely competitive market.

34. We all know that a job interview is your employers chance to get to know you in person, how
well you interact, your personality and to see how well you do under pressure. It is a chance to
sell yourself to the company and most often you only get one chance to do this, so, your first
impression matters.
Tip #1: It is not about how qualified you are: Some people think of job-hunting as a "battle"
of who has got the best résumé. Of course, you need to communicate what your skills are in
order to get the job – that is sure, but it is a huge mistake to think that it is all about skills.
AclandBrierty, an interview expert suggests that you ‗ditch your résumé‘ because let‘s face it,
your résumé looks pretty much the same as everyone else's otherwise they would not be
applying for that position; besides, the number of unqualified first class and second class
graduates are on the increase as a result of bribery and corruption and employers have realised
that it no longer depends on the result but on the individual. So instead of sending the usual
résumé, Brierty suggests you do something different, for instance, send a simple letter with
your skills and experience, constructing a focused picture of yourself as someone uniquely
suited to do that job then the employer can see instantly why you are suitable because you have
taken the time to explain ‗why‘ in the letter.
Tip #2: Be prepared to answer the ‘why should we hire you’ question: You have finally
submitted your résumé or letter and selected an impressive outfit. You have practiced your
walking posture, your firm handshake, how to present your self and answer questions but are
you prepared for the ‗why should we hire you‘ question?
The important thing in answering this question is that you sound yourself. You don't want to
sound like you are reciting something out of a book. You should stay relaxed, confident and
friendly. One way to answer this question is, ―You should hire me not only because I truly
believe in this company and its potential, but also because I will use my education, past
experiences and skills to help this company go above and beyond the company goals. I am
dependable, a fast learner, and very motivated.‖ (Please don't recite this word to word at the job
interview; it is just to give you an idea of how you should tell a prospective employer why you
should be hired).
Tip #3: Sell yourself: Despite all the feelings of anxiety and judgment associated with an
interview, employers are really just asking you those questions to find one thing: the best
person for the job. However, the best person for the job still has to communicatethat they are

35. the best person for the job. In fact, you may be more qualified than any of the other applicants,
but if you don‘t connect with the interviewer and help them see that, you will be throwing
yourself back into the "hunt."
Finally, don‘t forget to smile. After a handful of failed interviews it can be hard to imagine
things working out so well but don‘t be discouraged. Hopefully these tips will help you boost
your chances of landing highly sought after positions, and give you more control, more choice,
and more confidence in this seemingly depressing job market. Good Luck!
Dealing with food addiction
By Akoroda Rachael
The modern society‘s image of the beautiful woman is
someone who fits a certain size, someone with a certain
kind of bone structure, someone with a certain kind of
face. This image is glorified in many fashion magazines
and television programmes but this image is unfortunately,
not true for the average woman, who has to struggle with
being bigger, who does not have the same delicate bone
structure, who does not have the particular kind of face
that one would see on a model.
Not all of us are born to fit such an image of what is considered the ‗beautiful woman‘. In fact,
only few fit that image and yet, there are so many women out there who try desperately to fit
that image, who will try all means available to them and that which they can afford just to be
able to fit that image.
There are reasons some people are ‗overweight‘. For some it could be because of food
addiction for others it might be as a result of genetic disposition or even because they do not
feel they fit into the model size.
Examine yourself. Are you overweight because your genes have dictated that your body
should be formed that way? Are you overweight because you have a picture of what normal
weight is based on what you watch and read on the mass media? Or are you overweight
because you cannot stop eating?

36. That character from the Austin Powers series of movies, Fat Bastard, captured it so poignantly
with this line: ―I eat because I am unhappy, and I am unhappy because I eat‖. Is it that case for
you too? Many people are addicted to food usually because it provides a kind of shelter and
comfort whenever they have to deal with something stressful.
Just like every other sickness, there is an opportunity for recovery and it starts with recognition.
Recognize and admit to yourself that you have an issue that you need to deal with and that you
are using food to cover up for the fear, the anxiety and the sadness that you feel whenever you
are forced to face something you do not want to handle.
Once you have gotten a handle of the situation, the next step would be to determine what gives
you so much stress and anxiety, enough to turn to the comfort of food. More often than not, it
has something to do with self-image. If it is indeed the case, that your food addiction has
something to do with self-image, then the next step would be to embrace what you are and
accept that you cannot be what you are not.
Most importantly, do not take this journey of ridding yourself with food addiction alone. It is so
very easy to fall back into the old pattern of binge eating after being upset with something if
you are dealing with alone.
Seek help with a counsellor or a support group. There are others like us like you. You need not
go through this all alone.
Social networking: The time killer
By IyegbuChibueze
In today‘s modern society, 72% of people spend their time
updating their social network accounts.This generation has
become an absent minded generation that are not aware of their
immediate environment because social networking has taken
them to another world entirely.
Social networking was made for connecting with long lost
friends, making new friends, expanding our businesses not for
people to live in. It was created for us to use but today, it is using us.
The king of the jungle ‗facebook‘ which is now a daily ritual for most Nigerians have opened
the door to shorthand typing, abbreviations, emoticons and text lingo. Those messages include

37. many grammar and spelling errors posted across profiles for everyone to see. It is no longer
surprising to see adults who unconsciously cannot spell words correctly - what a pitiable
situation.
Facebook is now related to academic procrastination.Students tend to be unaware of just how
much time they really spend on Facebook and the effect that this might have on their
academics.
The distinction between genuine friends and acquaintances is becoming blurred; users are
spending time maintaining relationships with people they don‘t really care about. Electronic
relationships make it easy for ―friends‖ to misrepresent themselves always showing their best
sides.
The lists are now inexhaustible: Facebook, 2go, LinkedIn, MySpace, twitter, Friendster, xanga,
hi5 the list goes on. Some people may say―I am not addicted, I can quit any time!‖ Well if you
have more Facebook friends than real friends something must be done, if you spend more time
on twitter than in sunlight it‘s time for a change, if you Facebook more than you face your book
you need to re-adjust, if you spend time on 2go and its taking you nowhere, better take a ―U‖
turn, if you spend more time working on your LinkedIn profile than doing actual work it‘s time
for an intervention.
Regardless of your excuse, you need to realize that these system are put in place for you to
control, not for them to control you, they are tools not lifestyle.
Open the doors and go out, start physically meeting and confirming the existence of people
who like you and your talents, talk to them one on one, share things face to face, embrace
human touch and friendships in the real world.
Have the winner’s mentality
By Omorojor Paul
The power to hold on in spite of everything and to endure is the winner‘s quality. Winners are
too busy to be sad, too positive to be doubtful, too optimistic to be fearful, too determined to be
defeated.
Fellow DELSUites, no matter the subsidy
removal, strikes, stress, distance trekked to
lecture halls, dues paid, and uncomfortable
lecture halls. We are more than conquerors.