Oborevwori commissions new faculties, library, auditorium at UNIDEL Owa-Alero

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, has expanded the academic footprint of the University of Delta (UNIDEL), commissioning a cluster of new faculty buildings, workshops, a central library and a 500-seat auditorium at the institution’s Owa-Alero campus in Ika North-East Local Government Area.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the relatively young university, with the governor describing the projects as proof that his administration’s development drive extends beyond highways and bridges to human capital formation.

Among the facilities unveiled were the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences Complex—now named after the governor—the Faculty of Environmental Sciences building, and a fully developed engineering complex complete with lecture halls and hands-on workshops.

A modern central library and a large auditorium were also brought into use.

Oborevwori said the objective is to equip students with practical skills and global-standard learning spaces capable of driving innovation and entrepreneurship.

He urged students to safeguard the infrastructure and approach their studies with responsibility, noting that the state’s long-term prosperity depends on knowledge and creativity.
Reflecting on the university’s origin, the governor recalled his involvement in the legislative process that led to the establishment of UNIDEL and two other state universities during his tenure as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.

The expansion, he explained, was a response to limited admission capacity at Delta State University, which could only absorb a fraction of qualified applicants under quotas set by the National Universities Commission.

With thousands of eligible candidates unable to secure placement annually at the time, the state opted to broaden access to tertiary education.

According to the governor, the decision has since yielded tangible results, with UNIDEL alone now accommodating about 15,000 students.
Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, outlined the scope of the developments.

The Management and Social Sciences Complex includes lecture halls, a 250-capacity auditorium, offices and student support spaces.

The Environmental Sciences faculty features multiple large auditoriums, studios and seminar rooms tailored to design and planning programmes.

The engineering complex houses specialised workshops for metal fabrication, carpentry, mechanical works, foundry practice and welding—facilities designed to strengthen practical training.

The central library provides seating for over 400 students, while the main auditorium can host 500 participants for conferences and academic events.

University administrators said the additions would significantly enhance research output and professional training in sectors critical to Delta State’s economic diversification.

Former governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who attended the event, commended Oborevwori for sustaining the higher education expansion initiated under his administration.

He observed that creating opportunities for young people through university education has contributed to social stability and economic inclusion.

Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Stella Chiemeke described the projects as transformative, stating that the new facilities will broaden academic offerings and increase the institution’s competitiveness.

For Oborevwori, however, the commissioning went beyond ribbon-cutting.

He framed the investment as a strategic effort to prepare graduates not merely for employment, but for enterprise and leadership in a rapidly evolving economy.

With the latest additions at Owa-Alero, UNIDEL’s physical growth now mirrors the state government’s broader ambition: to anchor development not only in concrete and steel, but in classrooms, laboratories and workshops shaping the next generation.