Oborevwori graces Southern Delta University’s maiden convocation, sanctions major projects

Delta State Governor and Visitor to Southern Delta University, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Saturday presided over the institution’s maiden convocation ceremony, approving several strategic infrastructure projects as 1,231 students graduated.

The historic event, the first since the university’s establishment, saw four students earn First Class honours among the graduating cohorts.

Governor Oborevwori described the occasion as a landmark achievement and a promising beginning for the fast-growing institution.

Earlier in the day, the governor commissioned a series of completed projects across the campus.

These included new laboratories and workshops for the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, male and female hostels, a Faculty of Computing complex, and a Faculty of Medical Sciences building — all funded by the Delta State Government.

During his address, Oborevwori expressed gratitude for the steady growth of the university, noting that its maiden convocation signaled the start of greater accomplishments ahead.

He commended the resilience and commitment that have driven the institution’s rapid progress.

He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, who established the institution in 2021 as Delta State University of Science and Technology.

Oborevwori recalled that he presided over the legislative process creating the university while serving as Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

According to the governor, the subsequent amendment of the law to rename it Southern Delta University was designed to broaden its academic mandate and enable the accreditation of more programmes in response to evolving educational demands.

“Despite early criticisms, the impact is evident,” he said, pointing to increased access to tertiary education for thousands of students across the state.

Responding to requests presented by Vice-Chancellor, Jacob Oboreh, the governor approved additional ambulances, medical equipment for the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, construction of hostels for medical students, a Faculty of Law complex, completion of the Computer-Based Test Centre, perimeter fencing, and other essential infrastructure.

Oborevwori emphasised that his administration remains committed to strengthening education through targeted investment and expansion.

In recognition of outstanding academic performance, the governor announced a N5 million cash award for the overall best graduating student and N1 million each for the other three first class graduates.

He also commended Engr. Godwin Izomor for offering automatic employment to the overall best student, describing the gesture as a model of private-sector support for education.

A breakdown of the graduating class showed four First Class honours, 421 Second Class Upper Division, 796 Second Class Lower Division, and 10 graduates in other categories.

University’s Growth Trajectory
In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor Jacob Oboreh traced the institution’s evolution from a College of Agriculture to Delta State Polytechnic and ultimately to a full-fledged university in 2021.

He noted that the university has expanded from six faculties offering 45 programmes to 11 faculties with 89 programmes, all accredited by the National Universities Commission.

Oboreh highlighted significant infrastructure gains, including faculty buildings, laboratories, student hostels, internal road networks, staff quarters, a perimeter fence, and the procurement of over 900 computers.

He acknowledged the donation of ten fully equipped workshops by Engineer Godwin Izomo, as well as the completion of a 1,200-seat auditorium.

The Vice-Chancellor appealed for continued government backing, particularly in meeting medical accreditation requirements, establishing an independent power plant, constructing additional hostels, building a teaching hospital in Ozoro, and completing the Computer-Based Examination Centre.

Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman, Ambassador Godson Echegile, thanked host communities in Ozoro and Orerokpe for their support and praised the Convocation Lecturer, General Alexander Ogomudia (rtd), for delivering a compelling lecture titled “Beyond Oil: The University and the Future of the Niger Delta.”

Delivering the valedictory speech, overall best graduating student Frank Akaine described the pioneer class as trailblazers who persevered despite the uncertainties of a new institution.

“We entered as the first set unsure of the future, but today we graduate as proud alumni of a rising university,” he said, urging fellow graduates to uphold values of excellence, integrity, and hard work.

The ceremony attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, academics, and community stakeholders, marking a defining chapter in the history of Southern Delta University, Ozoro.