DELSU Appoints 42-Year-Old Professor Hilary Owamah as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
DELSU Appoints 42-Year-Old Professor Hilary Owamah as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
Abraka, Nigeria – March 4, 2025 – Delta State University (DELSU) has made a historic move by appointing Professor Hilary Owamah as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic). At just 42, he becomes one of the youngest individuals to ever hold this esteemed position, reflecting the institution’s commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and dynamic leadership.
A Trailblazer in Academia
Born on August 27, 1982, in Ibusa, Delta State, Professor Owamah has had an extraordinary academic journey. From his early education at Umejei Primary School and St. Thomas' College, to earning a Bachelor of Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri in 2006, his path has been marked by determination and brilliance.
Continuing his education, he obtained a Master of Engineering from the University of Port Harcourt in 2011 and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Benin in 2016. His deep-rooted passion for education and research has propelled him to national and international recognition.
Professor Owamah joined DELSU in 2016 as a Senior Lecturer, and within a remarkable six years, he achieved the rank of Professor in Civil Engineering by October 2022—becoming the youngest professor at the institution at age 40.
His impact has been significant across various leadership roles:
- Head, Department of Civil Engineering (2017-2020) – Spearheaded academic and infrastructural growth within the department.
- Deputy Director, Intensive and Part-time Programmes (2020-2022) – Enhanced program accessibility for a broader student base.
- Director of Academic Planning (2022-2025) – Led DELSU to full accreditation of its 92 academic programs under the National Universities Commission (NUC), while establishing 15 new academic programs to expand the university’s educational reach.
Professor Owamah is a globally recognized researcher, with over 60 high-impact scientific publications indexed in Scopus and other top-tier academic journals. His work in civil and environmental engineering has earned him accolades, including being named DELSU’s second-best researcher in 2024.
As a highly respected figure in the engineering sector, he holds fellowships in prestigious professional bodies, including:
- Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE)
- Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE)
- Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE)
He also serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Asaba Branch, playing a pivotal role in advancing engineering practice in Nigeria.
Professor Owamah’s appointment was officially confirmed during a Special Senate Meeting on February 26, 2025. Nominated by Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samuel Asagba, his tenure will commence on March 11, 2025, following the completion of the incumbent’s term.
Expressing his gratitude, Professor Owamah remarked:
"I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with this significant responsibility. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and the Senate for their confidence in me. I am committed to driving academic innovation, excellence, and student-centered policies that will elevate DELSU to even greater heights."
The appointment is now awaiting ratification by the Governing Council, a step that is widely anticipated to be a mere formality, given his outstanding credentials and contributions.
Despite his professional commitments, Professor Owamah is dedicated to his family. He is married to Victoria Owamah, and their union is blessed with children. His ability to balance academic excellence with personal life makes him a role model for aspiring scholars and professionals alike.
With Professor Hilary Owamah stepping into the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), DELSU is poised for a transformative era marked by innovative academic policies, enhanced research output, and strategic institutional development.
This appointment is not just a milestone for DELSU—it signals a progressive shift in Nigerian academia, where young, dynamic, and highly qualified professionals are recognized for their ability to lead and inspire.
Stay connected with DELSU for more updates on its academic advancements and leadership transformations.

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