The University of Delta, Agbor, on Saturday graduated 30 First-Class students at its maiden convocation ceremony, four years after its establishment.
A total of 1,606 students from seven faculties received degrees across the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions.
Delta State Governor and Visitor to the university, Sheriff Oborevwori, announced cash rewards to encourage academic excellence.
He approved N5 million for the overall best graduating student and N500,000 for each First-Class graduate, payable immediately.
The governor also approved the conversion of the Mother and Child Hospital, General Hospital, Agbor, and the Diagnostic Centre, Owa-Alero, into a university teaching hospital.
The decision followed a request by Vice-Chancellor, Stella Chiemeke, aimed at securing full accreditation for the institution’s medical programmes.
Oborevwori further pledged the donation of a coaster bus to enhance transportation on campus.
He described the ceremony as a watershed moment, marking the triumph of vision and purposeful leadership.
According to him, the establishment of state-owned universities has been vindicated by rising enrolment and socio-economic impact.
He noted that Delta now hosts over 100,000 students across tertiary institutions, boosting commerce and job creation.
The governor paid tribute to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for initiating the university project.
He urged graduands to remain bold and innovative, reminding them of their historic role as pioneer alumni.
In her address, Professor Chiemeke said all graduates were found worthy in character and learning.
She announced that certificates and transcripts were issued to students on convocation day.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted
full accreditation of programmes by the National Universities Commission and expanding international collaborations.
She added that about 4,000 indigent students accessed loans under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund this session.
UNIDEL, she disclosed, ranks third in Nigeria for sustainability and placed within the 801–1000 band globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
Pro-Chancellor and Council Chairman, Emmanuel A. C. Nwanze, commended staff and students for their resilience.
Governor Oborevwori was formally decorated as Visitor and honoured alongside 17 distinguished Nigerians.
Among them were Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Dennis Guwor, Jim Ovia, Chiedu Ebie and Chris Maiyaki.
Speaking for the awardees, Okowa expressed gratitude and commended the Governor’s continued support for higher education.
The overall best graduating student, Victoria Uzoma of Business Administration, emerged with a 4.97 GPA.
She attributed her academic success to divine grace and unwavering determination.
