At Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, staff members are putting aside their busy schedules this month for something more personal — their health. Thanks to an initiative introduced by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, every staff member of the university now has access to free and compulsory medical screening.
The programme, which began on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at the University Health Centre, Site II, is more than just routine checks. It is a bold step by the Vice Chancellor to make staff wellbeing a central pillar of his administration.
For many staff members, the screenings have been an eye-opener. “I came here thinking it was just a formality, but I discovered I had high blood pressure without knowing it,” said one administrative officer, who expressed relief that the condition was detected early. “This initiative might have saved my life.”
Dr. Bobola Agbonle, Director of University Health Services, explained that the programme has already uncovered cases of hypertension, diabetes, prostate issues, eye problems, and cervical conditions — ailments that might have gone unnoticed. “The real value of this screening is not only in identifying hidden health problems but also in providing guidance for proper management,” she noted.
Importantly, staff members are not paying a dime. “The entire cost of the screening is being borne by the University through the Vice Chancellor’s office,” Dr. Agbonle added, describing the gesture as “a demonstration of true leadership and care.”
The atmosphere at the health centre during the exercise was a mix of apprehension and gratitude. Some staff shared light-hearted jokes as they waited for their turn, while others quietly reflected on the importance of preventive health care. A senior lecturer summed it up: “We spend so much time caring for students, but rarely pause to care for ourselves. The Vice Chancellor has reminded us that our health matters too.”
The exercise, which runs until September 22, 2025, has been widely applauded by staff unions and academic communities within the university. Many see it as part of Professor Asagba’s broader vision of building not just an intellectually vibrant institution, but also one where the people behind it are healthy and supported.
As one staff member put it with a smile after completing her check-up: “It feels good to know the university cares for us beyond the classroom and the office. This isn’t just about health; it’s about humanity.”
