Prof Aghalino appointed new Dennis Osadebay University VC ~ Truth Reporters

By Andy Emephia

The Visitor to the Dennis Osadebay University ( DOU), Asaba, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori , has approved the appointment of renowned historian , Professor Samuel Ovuete Aghalino , as the new Vice Chancellor of the institution.

Professor Aghalino , currently a Professor of History in the Department of History and International Studies at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State , will take over the baton of leadership from Professor Ben Oghojafor , the pioneer Vice Chancellor , whose five year term of office comes to a glorious end soon.

The State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari , who presented the appointment letter to the new VC in his office in Asaba , described Prof Aghalino's appointment as a significant step in the continued growth of the relatively young and fledgling University.

He charged the new Vice Chancellor to deploy his vast academic and administrative experience towards advancing research , excellence, and institutional development.

The Higher Education Commissioner noted that the appointment reflects the Oborevwori administration's commitment to strengthening higher education in the state, and ensuring that state owned institutions of higher learning such as universities , are led by scholars with proven competence and global academic exposure.

Professor Aghalino , an indigene of Ohwelogbo in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State , has built an impressive academic career spanning nearly three decades.

A distinguished scholar and respected intellectual , he previously served as President of the Historical Society of Nigeria , the foremost professional body for historians in the country , playing a key role in promoting historical scholarship and strengthening research, during his term of office.

He began his academic career at the University of Ilorin in the mid-1990s as an Assistant Lecturer ,and has over the years held several strategic academic and administrative positions within the University , including Head of the Department of History and International Studies and Director of the University of Ilorin Archives and Documentation Centre.

Widely regarded as an authority in Economic and Social History , Professor Aghalino's research focuses extensively on the political economy of the Niger Delta, particularly the historical impact of oil exploration and it's socio economic implications for the region.

A prolific scholar ,, he has authored and co-authored numerous books , with one of his notable works, "Oil Exploitation in the  Western Niger Delta: A Cost Benefit Analysis, 1956-1995", widely referenced in academic studies examining the historical and economic implications of oil production in the region.

Professor Aghalino has also participated in several international conferences and academic engagements across the United States, the United Kingdom , Germany, Singapore and Kenya, where he presented research papers and collaborated with scholars on global academic platforms.

Professor Aghalino is widely expected to not only strengthen the academic profile of Dennis Osadebay University , Asaba, but also provide visionary leadership that will drive the growth, competitiveness and global relevance of the institution , in the years ahead.