DELSU VICE CHANCELLOR, PROF SAMUEL OGHENEOVO ASAGBA
Prof Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba hails from Sapele, Delta State. He is an alumnus of the
University of Benin, Nigeria, where he obtained his BSc and PhD degrees in Biochemistry in
1986 and 2001 respectively. He received his MSc degree in the same subject from the
University of Lagos, Nigeria, in 1991. He is highly interested in academic research, which
informed his decision to pick up an academic position with Delta State University in 1994
and has risen through the ranks since his engagement. He has been a Professor of
Biochemistry since October 2010. As an academic, Prof. Asagba is highly respected for his
cutting-edge research in the field of toxicology, particularly his work on the molecular effects
of heavy metal toxicity. His focus on cadmium toxicity and its environmental impact has
placed him at the forefront of global research in this area. With over 100 published works in
prestigious national and international journals, Prof. Asagba has established himself as a
leading figure in biochemistry and toxicology, earning the admiration of colleagues both in
Nigeria and abroad.
Many of the published works of Prof Asagba showed the possible toxic effects of the
consumption of the level of cadmium in Warri River and contaminated fish from the river
between 1986 and 1991. The findings from Prof Asagba’s research work underscore the need
for the study of the toxicological implications of chronic low-level exposure to cadmium in
Nigeria in view of the increasing contamination of the soil and water bodies by heavy metals
as a result of industrialization. Prof Asagba’s research also covered the alleviating effects of
natural products of plants origin such as carrots, garden eggs, oats, Hibiscus sabdarrifa extract
(zobo) and honey on cadmium toxicity. The outcomes of these researches showed the
protective actions of these natural products to the presence of antioxidants such as
anthocyanins and vitamins.
Prof. Asagba is not only a celebrated researcher but also a dedicated teacher and mentor.
Over the years, he has supervised the doctoral and master’s degrees of numerous students,
many of whom have gone on to become successful academics and professionals. His legacy
as a mentor continues to shape the future of education in Nigeria, as his former students now
serve as lecturers and researchers across various institutions.
At the level of the Department, Faculty, University and larger society, he has held numerous
academic, administrative and policy positions where he has performed with distinction. Prof
Asagba has on several occasions served as the Head of Biochemistry Department, Associate
Dean of Student affairs, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Provost of the Asaba Campus of
Delta State University and is a past Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). As Provost
and DVC he served continuous for 5 years in the University Governing Council and as a
council member he contributed his quota in the management and governance of the
university. He has also served as Chairman University conference grant and Examination
monitoring committees. Prof Asagba was the Departmental time table officer (1996-2001),
Departmental coordinator for seminar and projects (1996-2006), Departmental coordinator
SIWES (1996-2001), Departmental coordinator Pre-degree programme (2001-2006), Senate
representative Faculty of Science (2005-2007) and Faculty representative Post graduate board
(2011-2013). Prof Asagba has also been involved with the following special University
assignments: member study group of the centre for environmental and Niger-Delta studies
(2010), Chairman ad hoc committee on suitability of project defence by undergraduate
students (2015), Member University Library Committee (2015 -2016), member council
committee for selection/interview and appointment of University Librarian (2015), Chairman
certificate verification on senior administrative, technical and professional staff (2018),
Chairman senior staff disciplinary committee for non-teaching staff (2019- 2021), Chairman
car/vehicle refurbishing loan committee (2019-2021), Chairman Delsu FM board (2019-
2021), Chairman University Health Services Board (2019-2020), Chairman University
Facilities management committee (2019-2021), Member Tetfund manuscript and publication
board (2015- 2016), Member DIL board (2015-2016) and Member DELSUTH board (2019-
2020).
In addition to his teaching and research duties Prof Asagba has functioned as external
examiner for undergraduate and post graduate students in several Nigerian universities. He
has also served either as chairman or member in NUC accreditation teams to several Nigerian
Universities since 2012 to date. He is a reviewer to many journals in Nigeria and abroad. Prof
Asagba served as the Assistant Editor of the Nigerian Journal of Science and Environment
(2005-2010) and Managing Editor of the same journal from 2010-2013.
Due to his immense academic and administrative experience, Prof Asagba was appointed a
member of the editorial advisory board of the International Journal of Forensic Medical
Investigation and the African Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Research. He has been
contributing to the growth and development of these journals since 2017.
At this point it is pertinent to note some of the achievements of Prof Asagba in some
positions he held. As Head of Department of Biochemistry he carried out prudent
management of Department finances, motivated staff for higher performance, ensured that
the laboratories had functional facilities which enabled our students to have adequate
practical exposure, provided supportive structure which enabled the educational advancement
and promotion of many staff and prepared the Department for successful accreditation of its
undergraduate degree programme. His achievement as Dean include the following: prudent
management of Faculty finances, left surplus savings from internally generated revenues,
welfare programme for staff, revived Faculty Journal which is now a major source of
internally generated revenue, Achieved 100 % accreditation of the five programmes of the
Faculty that were due in 2015, Provided supportive structure which enabled the educational
advancement and promotion of many staff and operated an open-door policy which addressed
the wishes of staff with sincerity. There is no gain-saying that academic staffs of the Faculty
of Science were over-worked due to the inadequate number of personnel. In order to address
this, the Faculty under the leadership of Prof Asagba ensured that more academic staff
members were employed to improve quality of teaching and research. Most importantly
academic staff were encouraged to utilize available windows of opportunities for training and
re-training, research, workshops and conferences; particularly those funded by the Tertiary
Education Trust Fund. Prof Asagba also ensured that the Faculty of Science occupied its
pivotal position in University governance, representation and equity in entitlements.
As Provost Asaba Campus, Prof Asagba established a security structure using internal and
external security organizations that ensured a reduction of cult activities and guaranteed
security on campus, Started the Construction of perimeter fencing of the campus with funds
from internal and external sources to ensure security of life and properties on campus, paid
over 90% of inherited debts before his exit, successfully initiated and executed an integrated
water supply system that addressed the chronic water scarcity in Asaba campus, embarked on
renovation of facilities e.g. classrooms and offices which ensured a conducive atmosphere for
staff and students and contributed to the success of all programmes due for accreditation in
2017, comprehensively renovated the Asaba Campus Guest House that was abandoned, ensured availability of power on campus for at least 16 hours daily from both public power
supply and our power generating systems at minimal cost, achieved 100% accreditation of
programmes that were due for NUC accreditation in 2017 and allowed easy flow of
communications between the office of the provost and staff/students which ensured harmony
on campus.
During his tenure as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), he ensured fairness in
decision-making as Chairman of the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee and streamlined the
processing of loan applications, clearing a backlog in the Car/Vehicle Refurbishing Loan
Committee. Prof Asagba also led a successful debt recovery initiative through the University
Facilities Management Committee, significantly boosting revenue. His assessment of
University vehicles saved costs by decommissioning unserviceable ones, and he also
expanded the work-study program for indigent students, increasing their stipends to align
with global standards. Prof Asagba’s services as Deputy Vice-Chancellor contributed to
improved administration and enhanced support for staff and students.
Before his employment as a lecturer in DELSU Prof Asagba worked in the organised private
sector where he gained relevant administrative, professional and managerial experience
which have contributed to his successful service in the different positions he occupied in the
University. It is noteworthy that Prof Asagba has displayed determination, perseverance and
resilience at the different levels of service to the University. He is a good administrator,
excellent scientist, team player and listener, compassionate and amiable person. He is capable
of meeting people of all ages with ease and often exercises a quiet sense of humour in his
work. He belongs to several professional associations within Nigeria, amongst which are the
Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Nigerian Society of
Experimental Biology. He is also a member of the American College of Toxicology and the
Society of Toxicology both in the USA. He is currently a fellow of the African Scientific
Institute a body based in the USA recognising the scientific outputs of African scholars in
Africa and the Diaspora.
Prof. Asagba’s appointment as Vice-Chancellor comes at a time when DELSU is poised for
further growth and development. With his vast experience, unwavering integrity, and deep
understanding of the academic and administrative needs of the institution, he is wellequipped to lead the university into a new era of excellence. His commitment to fairness,
innovation, and inclusivity is expected to have a lasting impact on DELSU’s future.
Under his leadership, it is anticipated that DELSU will continue to flourish as a center of
academic distinction, research, and community engagement. His clear vision for the
university and his collaborative leadership style are qualities that will surely inspire both staff
and students alike.
His previous achievements indicate a proactive approach to governance that prioritizes
transparency, inclusivity, and innovation.His leadership style is characterized by an opendoor policy that encourages dialogue among academic staff members, students, and
administrative staff. This approach aims to create a collaborative environment where ideas
can flourish and challenges can be addressed collectively.
Professor Asagba is happily married to Elizabeth Olabimpe Asagba, a senior higher library
officer in Delta State University Library.