BY CHURCHILL OYOWE
Delta State University has matriculated 9,498 newly admitted students for the 2025/2026 academic session, reaffirming its position among Nigeria’s top-performing universities.
The matriculation ceremony took place on Saturday at the Convocation Arena, Site III, of the university’s main campus in Abraka.
The Vice Chancellor, Samuel Asagba, congratulated the new students for successfully passing both the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and the institution’s Post-UTME screening.
He noted that only 9,498 candidates were admitted from a large pool of applicants, describing their admission as highly competitive.
Providing a faculty-by-faculty breakdown, he said Agriculture admitted 171 students; Allied Health Sciences, 804; and Arts, 952.
Basic Clinical Sciences enrolled five students, while Basic Medical Sciences admitted 731 and Clinical Sciences 131.
According to him, the Faculty of Computing admitted 340 students, and Communication and Media Studies took in 633.
Dentistry admitted 10 students; Education, 1,385; Engineering, 592; and Environmental Sciences, 21.
Further figures show that Management Sciences admitted 1,100 students, Law 118, Pharmacy 114, Science 1,736, and Social Sciences 660.
Professor Asagba told the matriculants they were fortunate to be among the limited number offered admission.
He also highlighted the university’s recent performance in global assessments, stating that the Times Higher Education 2026 rankings placed the institution as the fourth-best state university in Nigeria and 12th overall nationwide.
The ranking also identified it as the leading state university across the South-South and South-East regions.
He linked the university’s progress to strong community engagement and a sustained culture of academic excellence, alongside continued backing from the Delta State Government.
The Vice Chancellor explained that the university currently operates 17 faculties and 109 academic programmes, in addition to an Institute of Education and a Business School based in Asaba.
He added that all programmes presently hold full accreditation and that new, market-relevant courses are being introduced to match evolving academic and industry needs.
Addressing the students, he urged them to remain disciplined and committed to their studies.
He warned against excessive social media use, describing it as a major distraction, and cautioned against violence, cultism, cybercrime, and any actions that could disrupt campus peace.
He also advised them to avoid examination malpractice, indecent dressing, and other misconduct, encouraging them to pursue their academic goals with integrity and self-discipline.
Professor Asagba expressed appreciation to Delta State Governor and Visitor to the University, Sheriff Oborevwori, for ongoing developmental support, and pledged continued prudent management of university resources.
The ceremony ended with the administration of the matriculation oath by the Registrar, Mrs. Rufina Ufiofio.
