Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has defended the establishment of three new state-owned universities, stating that the decision has significantly expanded access to higher education for thousands of students across the state.
Oborevwori made the remarks on Saturday during the maiden convocation ceremony of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, where 416 pioneer graduates were awarded first degrees across the Faculties of Agriculture, Arts, Behavioural Sciences, Computing, Environmental Sciences, Management Sciences and Sciences.
The governor explained that the creation of the three universities in 2021 was a deliberate response to the growing number of qualified students who were unable to gain admission into existing institutions due to limited spaces.
According to him, more than 20,000 qualified students who sought admission into universities in Delta State in 2020 could not be accommodated because of inadequate capacity in the existing institutions, particularly Delta State University, Abraka.
He noted that the impact of the policy has become evident with the successful graduation of the first batch of students from the newly established universities.
Oborevwori disclosed that the maiden graduation cycle of the three institutions produced a total of 3,203 graduates, including 1,206 from the University of Delta, Agbor; 1,231 from Southern Delta University, Ozoro; and 416 from Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba.
The governor described the maiden convocation of Dennis Osadebay University as a historic milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen tertiary education and develop a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and sustainable development.
He recalled that when the law establishing the three universities was passed in 2021, he was serving as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and never imagined he would later return as Visitor to celebrate the graduation of the pioneer students.
Oborevwori also acknowledged the role played by his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who assented to the bill establishing the universities, while commending the pioneer Vice-Chancellor and staff of Dennis Osadebay University for laying a solid academic foundation for the institution.
The governor highlighted several infrastructure projects executed at the university under his administration’s MORE Agenda, including the Faculty of Agriculture complex, the Faculty of Environmental Sciences complex, engineering workshops, a 500-seat lecture hall, internal road networks, the Vice-Chancellor’s lodge and the university gatehouse.
He added that the furnishing of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences building had been completed, while work was ongoing on the Faculty of Management Sciences complex, alongside the construction of a perimeter fence and plans for additional student hostels.
Oborevwori assured that the state government would also construct more student hostels, a sports complex and a Faculty of Law building, among other facilities.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to education, the governor said deliberate investments in funding, improved staff welfare and engagement with labour unions had helped ensure stability in tertiary institutions across the state.
He further disclosed that through the Tertiary Institutions Entrepreneurship Programme, the state government is equipping students with practical skills, mentorship and start-up support to enable them become job creators rather than job seekers.
The governor also encouraged students to take advantage of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ease the financial burden of higher education.
Congratulating the graduating students, Oborevwori urged them to remain diligent, innovative and upright, advising them to reject shortcuts and uphold excellence as worthy ambassadors of their university and Delta State.
Highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of the overall best graduating student and valedictorian, Miss Mike-Ogisi Regina Chukwufunannya of the Accounting Department, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.93.
Governor Oborevwori rewarded the best graduating student with a cash prize of N5 million, while 24 other First Class graduates received N1 million each in recognition of their outstanding academic performance.
Earlier in his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ben Oghojafor, described the maiden convocation as a historic turning point for the young institution.
He recalled that when he assumed office as pioneer Vice-Chancellor in April 2021, the university lacked basic infrastructure, forcing him to operate from temporary spaces. Despite the challenges, he said the institution had recorded remarkable growth within a short period.
According to him, the university admitted about 150 students at inception in 2021, but admissions increased to 1,589 in the 2022/2023 academic session, while the 2024/2025 session recorded 4,403 admissions across eight faculties.
Professor Oghojafor disclosed that the university has so far admitted a total of 14,851 students.
He added that within five years, academic staff of the institution had produced more than 547 journal publications, 234 conference proceedings and seven books, while establishing academic partnerships with institutions in the United Kingdom and the University of the West Indies in Jamaica.
The Vice-Chancellor further revealed that the university is collaborating with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) to enable students obtain professional certifications alongside their academic degrees, while discussions are ongoing with global technology company Cisco to enhance digital skills training.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Robert Ikomi, described the convocation as a defining milestone in the life of the institution.
He commended the management, staff and students for their commitment to excellence and urged the graduating students to uphold integrity and remain worthy ambassadors of the university.
In her valedictory speech, Miss Mike-Ogisi commended the Delta State Government and the management of the university for providing a conducive learning environment, assuring that the graduates would continue to make the institution proud in their future endeavours.
Out of the 416 graduates produced at the maiden convocation ceremony, 25 earned First Class honours, 167 graduated with Second Class Upper Division, 185 with Second Class Lower Division, while 39 obtained Third Class degrees.