ABRAKA/Nigeria: Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, on Friday, 28 November 2025, returned to Delta State University (DELSU) Abraka in the company of his 2005 Religious Studies graduating classmates, donating books, teaching aids, and digital learning tools to their former department.
The visit, which was both nostalgic and symbolic, ended with a firm commitment by the alumni group to undertake massive renovations of the department’s dilapidated lecture building. The Speaker and his former classmates were received by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Samuel Asagba, alongside senior university officials, before embarking on an inspection tour of the department’s facilities.
Guwor formally presented the donated items — hundreds of reference textbooks, digital learning kits, a projector, assorted stationery, and a public-address system — describing the gesture as a modest token of gratitude to an institution that shaped their lives.
“Coming back here 20 years after is humbling. This place moulded our worldview, and we are grateful to God for giving us the ability to give back,” the Speaker said. He added that the donation reflects their collective resolve to continue investing in future scholars while aligning with the state government’s broader commitment to promote education and community empowerment.
The Speaker emphasised that the intervention would enhance research output and improve the learning experience for current students, reinforcing Delta State’s agenda of “Renewed Hope for MORE.”
Guwor also commended the Vice-Chancellor and his management team for sustained efforts to elevate academic standards at DELSU, paying special tribute to his former project supervisor.
Class Coordinator, Mr. Bartholomew Akwalhigbe, recalled the difficulties students faced two decades ago, especially the lack of updated learning materials. He expressed gratitude that one of their former classmates is now a lecturer in the department and will directly benefit from the improved resource base.
“When we were undergraduates, outdated textbooks and limited resources were a constant hurdle. Seeing our former classmate, now a lecturer, receive these books is truly gratifying,” he said.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Asagba praised the initiative, describing the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy as “a beacon of inter-religious understanding and academic excellence.” He assured the alumni that the materials would be fully utilised and expressed optimism that the renewed partnership would grow beyond a single donation.
“We welcome this spirit of giving and look forward to more collaborative projects that benefit both the university and the wider Delta community,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
The event ended on a warm, reflective note as the Speaker and his colleagues interacted with former lecturers and posed for a group photograph, celebrating two decades of shared memories and renewed commitment to DELSU’s academic growth.
