Oborevwori Defends Creation Of Three Delta Universities As 3,203 Students Graduate
Oborevwori Defends Expansion of State Universities
GOVERNOR of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has justified the establishment of three additional state-owned universities, saying the decision has significantly expanded access to higher education for thousands of students across the state.
The governor made the remarks on Saturday during the maiden convocation ceremony of Dennis Osadebay University in Asaba, where 416 pioneer students were awarded first degrees in various disciplines.
The graduates cut across faculties including Agriculture, Arts, Behavioural Sciences, Computing, Environmental Sciences, Management Sciences and Sciences.
Addressing Admission Shortages
Governor Oborevwori explained that the decision to establish the three universities in 2021 was driven by the increasing number of qualified students who were unable to gain admission into existing institutions due to limited capacity.
According to him, more than 20,000 students who were qualified for university education in Delta State in 2020 could not secure admission because the available spaces in Delta State University, Abraka, were insufficient.
He said the creation of additional universities was therefore a deliberate effort to expand educational opportunities and ensure that more young people could pursue tertiary education within the state.
“The impact of that decision is already evident today as the first sets of students from the new universities graduate,” the governor said.
Over 3,000 Graduates Produced
The governor disclosed that the three universities have collectively produced 3,203 graduates in their maiden convocation cycle.
The breakdown shows that University of Delta, Agbor produced 1,206 graduates, Southern Delta University, Ozoro graduated 1,231 students, while Dennis Osadebay University accounted for 416 graduates.
Oborevwori described the development as a clear demonstration of the importance of expanding the state’s higher education system.
“This achievement shows that the decision to establish additional universities was both necessary and timely,” he said.
A Historic Moment for the Institution
The governor described the maiden convocation of Dennis Osadebay University as a historic milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen tertiary education and build a workforce capable of driving innovation and development.
He recalled that when the law establishing the universities was passed in 2021, he was serving as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.
“At that time, I never imagined that I would return as Visitor to celebrate the graduation of the pioneer students,” he said.
Oborevwori also acknowledged the role of his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, who signed the bill establishing the universities into law.
Infrastructure and Educational Development
The governor highlighted several infrastructure projects completed at Dennis Osadebay University under his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda.
These include 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 furnishing of the Environmental Sciences building has been completed, while work is ongoing at the Faculty of Management Sciences. Additional projects include the construction of a perimeter fence and plans for more student hostels.
According to him, the state government also intends to build a sports complex and a Faculty of Law building in the near future.
Encouraging Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Governor Oborevwori reiterated that education remains central to his administration’s development strategy.
He explained that through the Tertiary Institutions Entrepreneurship Programme, students are being equipped with practical skills, mentorship and startup support to enable them become job creators.
He also encouraged students to take advantage of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ease the financial burden of tertiary education.
Recognising Academic Excellence
One of the highlights 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 ₦5 million, while 24 other First Class graduates received ₦1 million each.
Of the 416 graduates, 25 obtained First Class honours, 167 graduated with Second Class Upper Division, 185 with Second Class Lower Division, and 39 earned Third Class degrees.
University Records Rapid Growth
Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Ben Oghojafor described the maiden convocation as a major turning point for the institution.
He revealed that the university admitted only about 150 students at its inception in 2021, but admissions rose to 1,589 in the 2022/2023 academic session and 4,403 in the 2024/2025 session.
The institution has so far admitted 14,851 students.
He added that academic staff have produced over 547 journal publications, 234 conference papers and seven books, while the university has also established partnerships with institutions in the United Kingdom and the University of the West Indies in Jamaica.
