By Lucky Uto
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has defended the establishment of three new state-owned universities, saying the decision has expanded access to higher education for thousands of students across the state.
The governor spoke on Saturday during the maiden convocation ceremony of Dennis Osadebay University (DOU), Asaba, where 416 pioneer students received their first degrees.
Oborevwori said the three universities were created in 2021 to address the growing number of qualified candidates who could not secure admission into existing institutions due to limited spaces.
According to him, more than 20,000 qualified students seeking admission in 2020 were unable to gain entry into Delta State University, Abraka, the only state university at the time.
He explained that the impact of the policy is already evident, revealing that the first graduation cycle of the three institutions produced 3,203 graduates.
The figure includes 1,206 graduates 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 DOU as a historic milestone in the state’s effort to strengthen tertiary education and develop a skilled workforce.
Oborevwori 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 did not imagine he would later return as governor and Visitor to celebrate the graduation of the pioneer students.
He also acknowledged the role of former Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who signed the law establishing the universities.
The governor listed several projects completed in the university under his administration, including the Faculty of Agriculture complex, 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 work was ongoing on the Faculty of Management Sciences, while the construction of a perimeter fence and plans for additional hostels were also underway.
He assured that the government would also build more hostels, a sports complex and a Faculty of Law building.
Oborevwori noted that education remains central to his administration’s development agenda, adding that improved funding, staff welfare and engagement with labour unions have helped maintain stability in tertiary institutions in the state.
He also encouraged students to take advantage of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support students with education financing.
The governor congratulated the graduating students and urged them to remain hardworking and avoid shortcuts as they move into the next phase of their lives.
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 her with a cash prize of N5 million, while 24 other First Class graduates received N1 million each.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ben Oghojafor, described the maiden convocation as a major milestone for the young institution.
He said the university started in 2021 with about 150 students but has grown rapidly, recording 1,589 admissions in the 2022/2023 academic session and 4,403 admissions in the 2024/2025 session across eight faculties.
Oghojafor disclosed that the institution has so far admitted 14,851 students and that its academic staff have produced over 547 journal publications, 234 conference papers and seven books within five years.
He also revealed that the university has established academic partnerships with institutions in the United Kingdom and the University of the West Indies in Jamaica.
According to him, the institution is collaborating with the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) to enable students earn professional certifications alongside their degrees, while discussions are ongoing with global technology company Cisco to boost digital skills training.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Robert Ikomi, described the convocation as a defining moment in the life of the university.
Out of the 416 graduates, 25 made First Class, 167 graduated with Second Class Upper Division, 185 with Second Class Lower Division, while 39 obtained Third Class degrees.
