The Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, has approved a free and compulsory medical screening exercise for all members of staff of the University.
The initiative, which began on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at the University Health Centre, Site II, DELSU Abraka, reflects the Vice Chancellor’s vision of promoting staff health and wellbeing as the foundation for a vibrant and productive university workforce.
The programme comes at a time when non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer are on the rise in Nigeria, often going undetected until they reach life-threatening stages. Regular medical screenings are globally recognized as key to early detection and preventive healthcare, reducing avoidable deaths and improving quality of life.
For DELSU, this initiative shows a deliberate commitment to prioritizing the health of its staff—a critical investment in the human capital that drives academic excellence.
Speaking at the launch of the programme, the Director of University Health Services, Dr. Bobola Agbonle, explained that the screenings were designed to detect latent and obvious health complications among staff. She revealed that the exercise had already identified issues such as hypertension, diabetes, prostate problems, eye defects, and cervical conditions, some of which staff members were previously unaware of.
She added that the initiative goes beyond diagnosis, as identified conditions will also be managed and monitored, ensuring that staff receive follow-up care. Dr. Agbonle expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor for fully funding the screenings, which run from August 19 to September 22, 2025.
The DELSU health initiative aligns with broader calls for workplace wellness programmes in Nigeria, where rising healthcare costs and limited access to preventive care often leave workers vulnerable.
By providing free and compulsory medical screenings, DELSU is setting a precedent among Nigerian universities—demonstrating that healthcare and productivity are deeply connected. A healthy academic workforce not only benefits staff but also enhances teaching, research, and service delivery in the university system.
Professor Asagba’s approval of this initiative highlights a progressive model of university leadership—one that recognizes that investing in the health of staff is investing in the future of the institution.
If sustained, the programme could serve as a model for other higher institutions across Nigeria, showing that proactive healthcare measures are essential for building resilient, effective, and motivated workforces. DELSU’s move is a reminder that health is wealth—and a healthy university staff is the bedrock of academic excellence.
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