Abraka, Delta State Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, has been rocked by a severe security crisis, leading to the suspension of all academic activities in early June 2025. The university management took the drastic step following a surge in kidnappings and violent clashes within the Abraka community, which raised serious concerns about the safety of students and staff.
The precarious security situation prompted an emergency meeting with the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to address the escalating violence. Tensions in the university town had been simmering for a while, with students staging protests against the rising insecurity. These demonstrations unfortunately took a violent turn, further compounding the unrest.
In a very recent development on June 26, 2025, it was reported that DELSU is part of a collaborative effort with three other universities in the Niger Delta region. This partnership aims to tackle the multifaceted challenges of the oil-rich region through joint research and development initiatives. The collaborating institutions have made a public appeal for increased funding to support their research endeavors.
Prior to the security-induced shutdown, DELSU had celebrated its 17th convocation ceremony in late April 2025. The event saw the graduation of thousands of students. A key highlight of the ceremony was the promise of automatic employment by the state governor to the best-graduating student. During the convocation, the university also announced its intention to revoke the contract for the long-abandoned Senate building project, a move aimed at fast-tracking its completion.
The period also marked the articulation of a new vision for the university by the recently appointed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samuel Asagba. His roadmap for DELSU focuses on repositioning the institution as a leading center for learning and research.
Its been over 7 hours since lives were lost in Abraka, People are grieving,not a word from the governor, Not even a visit?.When I said @RtHonSheriff doesnt care about Deltans that he only cares about power and himself some of you defended him. But tell me, where is he now? pic.twitter.com/DOM5IYuPb0
urhobo/Abia princess (@Efeom) June 5, 2025
Amidst these developments, the university continues with its admission processes for various undergraduate and postgraduate programs for the 2025/2026 academic session, as indicated on its official website. However, the resumption of full academic activities remains contingent on the restoration of normalcy and adequate security in Abraka.
