Delta Govt Applauds SDU Ozoro VC, Hails Infrastructure, Practical Learning Drive

THE Delta State Government has commended the management of Southern Delta University (SDU), Ozoro, for its rapid infrastructural growth and a strong focus on practical, skills-based learning—describing the institution as a model of effective university leadership.

The commendation came on Thursday from the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, during an inspection of ongoing and completed projects ahead of the university’s maiden convocation slated for February 2026.

Aniagwu praised the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jacob Oboreh, for sustaining the institution’s transformation from its polytechnic years, noting that the state government’s decision to reappoint him had continued to deliver visible results.

The commissioner said the calm academic environment at SDU—free of industrial disputes—reflected deliberate intervention by the state government and the university management to provide facilities and maintain a conducive atmosphere for learning.

He said strikes in many universities are often caused by poor infrastructure rather than salaries, adding that SDU’s environment shows why Delta institutions rarely embark on industrial action.

Aniagwu also observed the free interaction between staff and students, saying the Vice-Chancellor’s ability to move around campus without heavy security demonstrated trust, stability and strong campus-community relations.

He disclosed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was impressed with SDU’s progress, which has made it easier for the government to provide timely subventions for staff salaries and emoluments.

Barely four years after its establishment, SDU now has more than 13,000 students—a growth Aniagwu attributed to effective planning and modern infrastructure. He described the campus as “more than a community but a growing town,” preparing a new generation of Deltans for leadership.

Aniagwu highlighted the university’s emphasis on practical learning, noting that students participate in construction projects across the campus, earning stipends while building real-world skills.

“What makes this university unique is that students are not only taught theory; they are involved in practical construction work. By the time they graduate, many are already skilled hands,” he said.

He added that projects executed by the university had passed quality checks, citing the durability of interlocked roads built two years ago despite heavy usage.

Aniagwu dismissed doubts about Delta’s ability to manage several universities, saying the performance of state-owned institutions—including SDU—had proved critics wrong.

Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, said SDU is ready to start postgraduate programmes after inspecting its facilities. He noted that the university’s growth reflects the government’s Opportunities for All agenda in the education sector.

He said although the institutions operate with a degree of autonomy, the state government still pays lecturers’ salaries and funds critical needs, including accreditation. He commended SDU management for the prudent use of internally generated revenue (IGR) and announced newly approved academic programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Vice-Chancellor Professor Jacob Oboreh attributed SDU’s rapid progress to prudent resource management, strong government support and strategic partnerships.

Projects inspected include: Principal Officers’ Quarters, a two-storey Faculty of Science complex built through direct labour, with 126 staff offices, equipped laboratories, two lecture theatres and an ICT centre, a block of eight science laboratories; and a 1,200-seater auditorium abandoned since 2012 but now fully completed and furnished

Oboreh also highlighted donor-funded projects, including the Pa James Odhokpa Izomor Engineering Workshops donated by Engr. Godwin Odoba Izomor, who committed ₦1 billion to build 10 engineering workshops and additional studios.

On student welfare, he said two hostels with capacity for about 1,000 students were recently completed, adding that on-campus housing was prioritised due to security concerns in the host community.

The VC also acknowledged the state government’s support in developing the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and the ultra-modern Orerokpe Campus, which houses multiple faculties, staff quarters, solar-powered electricity and a water reticulation system.

He revealed that accreditation teams from Abuja recently described the Orerokpe Campus as one of the best they had visited, confirming that it met all requirements for a full-fledged university campus.

Oboreh urged stakeholders to take collective ownership of the institution, saying:
“This university is our shared inheritance. We must build an institution that will serve both present and future generations.”