The newly elected executive team of the Postgraduate Students’ Association of Nigeria (PGSAN) at Delta State University, led by Caleb Godwin-Ivworin, has officially been sworn in.
The ceremony was held in the Postgraduate Board Room at Campus 3, DELSU, Abraka.
In attendance at the brief event were the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Asagba, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Edmund Atakpo, along with the Dean of the Postgraduate School, Professor Sunny Awhefeada.
During the event, Professor Asagba assured the new executive team that his administration is ready to provide the support they need. He stressed the importance of teamwork, open communication, and active listening among the Association’s leaders to achieve shared success.
He highlighted that when everyone works together effectively, positive results follow.
Additionally, Professor Asagba spoke about the importance of building a strong, supportive relationship between postgraduate students and their supervisors, sharing from his own positive experiences.
He also expressed concern about some students who enroll in postgraduate programs without putting in genuine effort, opting for shortcuts instead of fully engaging in research or attending workshops designed to improve their research skills.
Continuing, the Vice Chancellor encouraged the new leadership to establish a strong and effective communication platform for students, moving beyond informal tools like WhatsApp.
He also highlighted the serious financial challenges students face and urged the association to set a clear vision, make a meaningful impact, and help advance the postgraduate school, with research playing a key role.
The DELSU VC advised the executive team to be creative and strive to leave a lasting mark on the history of the postgraduate association.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Professor Awhefeada urged the new executives to uphold the university’s and postgraduate school’s high standards with pride and dedication.
Regarding the election, he described it as credible, free, and fair.
The Dean reminded the new leaders that their roles require a commitment to serving others, emphasizing that students should always come first while keeping management involved in their activities.
He also advised that any issues beyond the executive committee’s capacity should be reported to the postgraduate school management through the Associate Dean’s office, assuring that such matters will be promptly investigated and addressed.
He also thanked the students for their active participation in the peaceful and fair election, especially considering the challenges posed by the ongoing ASUU strike, and promised to live up to their expectations.
On the issue of extortion of postgraduate students, which was raised by the Vice Chancellor, he revealed that the new executive plans to use the recently established help desk as a platform for students to report such incidents.
He added that the Dean of the Postgraduate School is firmly against any form of extortion.
A key moment of the event was the oath-taking ceremony, conducted by Mr. Samuel Eghenedi, the Secretary of the Postgraduate School and Chairman of the Electoral Committee responsible for electing the new leaders.
In his vote of thanks, the PGSAN Public Relations Officer, Comr. Prince Godstime Ukuanovwe (PUGO), expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the swearing-in ceremony.
He also gave thanks to God and the management for ensuring a smooth transition.
