Awhefeada Reiterates Transformational Vision for SDU, Visits Main, Orerokpe Campuses ~ Truth Reporters

By Andy Emephia

The Vice Chancellor of Southern Delta University (SDU), Ozoro, Professor Sunny Awhefeada, has reiterated his commitment to transforming the institution into a pace-setting 21st-century university capable of competing favourably in the global academic environment.

To achieve this vision, Awhefeada urged academic staff to intensify research activities capable of attracting international grants, while also fostering greater collaboration among faculties, departments and sister institutions to enhance productivity and institutional growth.

The Vice Chancellor made the call during a fact-finding and familiarization visit to the university's main campus in Ozoro and its Orerokpe campus, where he assessed the state of facilities and engaged with staff.

Addressing staff at both campuses, Prof. Awhefeada stressed the need for a corporate-sector mindset driven by professionalism, creativity, innovation and intentional productivity in line with global best practices.

According to him, “Knowledge and service must go beyond classroom teaching and be commercialised through innovative ideas and practical solutions that can contribute meaningfully to societal growth and development.”

He urged staff to remain committed, disciplined and dedicated to their responsibilities by cultivating a culture of accountability and avoiding procrastination in the discharge of their duties.

The Vice Chancellor assured staff that excellence would be rewarded through appropriate incentives. 

He also disclosed that the university management would provide partial financial support for researchers seeking Scopus-indexed publications as part of efforts to strengthen the institution's research visibility. 

In addition, management will continue to sponsor workshops, conferences and other capacity-building programmes for staff development.

Prof. Awhefeada explained that his familiarization tour across the university's faculties, departments and directorates is aimed at repositioning the institution for global relevance through research, innovation, empowerment and academic excellence.

He expressed profound appreciation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his continuous support towards the infrastructural development of the university. 

He also acknowledged the enduring legacy and solid foundation laid by the founding Vice Chancellor, Professor Jacob Snapps Oboreh, describing it as a strong platform upon which the institution will continue to grow.

The Vice Chancellor further charged academic staff to mentor students through the full spectrum of leadership, entrepreneurship, empowerment and character development, noting that universities must produce graduates who are not only academically sound but also equipped to drive societal transformation.

Prof. Awhefeada was accompanied on the visit by members of the university's management team, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Presley Obukoadata; the Registrar, Mrs. Ejiro Etobro; the Bursar, Dr. Sylvester Okoh; and the University Librarian, Professor Ogochukwu Emiri, among others.

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