How we tamed cultism in DELSU, by Vice Chancellor

• 68 students graduate with first class

Vice Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU) Abraka, Professor Victor Peretomode, has said the campaigns against cultism have yielded positive outcomes, as most of the students stayed away from cult activities.

Speaking at a Pre-Convocation media briefing, he noted that cultism, which adversely affected the university was now a thing of the past due to robust security measures put in place to tackle the menace and strategic anti-cultism campaigns on the institution’s campuses.

“To tackle the malaise squarely, I had to write a book against cultism and other campus vices titled: DELSU Survival Guide for Students, in which I exposed the consequences of cultism, prostitution, drug abuse, examination malpractices and other vices, in lurid pictures and prose style,” he said.

He disclosed that he fought illegal imposition of N1000 laboratory levy and imposition of handouts on students to a standstill, adding that he would leave behind self-discipline, integrity and honesty as some of his legacies.

He also disclosed that under his watch, 14 lectures were probed for plagiarism, saying that manipulation of data was vehemently punished.

Professor Peretomode listed his achievements to include the review of academic curriculum, building of a mega library, e-library, roads, staff residences, good relationship between students’ union and university management.

He further stated that he introduced reward mechanism to encourage academic excellence, creation of new programmes and directorate, improved staff discipline and training of 48 youths from host communities, among others.

The Vice Chancellor, however, attributed his successes to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s financial and moral support to the institution and cooperation of staff, unions, students and stakeholders.

Meanwhile, 68 students graduated with First Class Honours degrees, while another 1,172 finished with Second Class Upper division out of 3,561 students.

He revealed that 1818 students made Second Class Lower grade, 378 and 14 students graduated with third class and pass, while 50 doctors, 51 pharmacists and 691 postgraduate students also graduated.

Peretomode explained that since becoming Vice Chancellor in December 2014, there had been peace and academic stability, leading to intense learning by students and good academic results.

“In DELSU, we believe in excellence, we are not like some universities that give First Class to those who do not deserve it. The students must merit that grade before we give it to them,” he stressed.

He added that DELSU ranked 69^th among 1,447 African universities and higher institutions in 2015 Journals Consortium and that the university placed 20^th in 170 Nigerian universities and third in 39 state and private universities.