ASABA/Nigeria: Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has said the decision to establish three additional state-owned universities was taken after over 20,000 qualified students were denied admission into universities in the state due to limited capacity.
The governor made the disclosure on Saturday during the maiden convocation ceremony of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, where 416 pioneer graduates were awarded degrees across seven faculties.
Oborevwori explained that the establishment of the three universities in 2021 was a deliberate response by the state government to the growing demand for university education among qualified students who could not gain admission due to limited spaces in existing institutions.
According to him, before the creation of the new universities, the only state-owned university at the time—Delta State University, Abraka—could not absorb the large number of admission seekers, leaving thousands of qualified candidates without placement.
He noted that the impact of the policy was already evident with the successful graduation of the pioneer set of students from the newly established institutions.
The governor disclosed that the maiden graduation cycle of the three universities has produced a total of 3,203 graduates, comprising 1,206 from the University of Delta, Agbor; 1,231 from Southern Delta University, Ozoro; and 416 from Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba.
Oborevwori said the development clearly demonstrates the wisdom behind expanding the state’s higher education system in order to create more opportunities for young people to pursue university education.
He described the maiden convocation ceremony of Dennis Osadebay University as a historic milestone in Delta State’s efforts to strengthen tertiary education and build a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and sustainable development.
The governor 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 that 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 signed the bill establishing the universities into law, 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 at the Faculty of Management Sciences, alongside the construction of a perimeter fence and plans for additional student hostels.
Oborevwori assured that the state government would continue to invest in the university with the construction of more student hostels, a sports complex and a Faculty of Law building, among other facilities.
The governor reiterated that education remains central to his administration’s development strategy, noting that deliberate investments in funding, improved staff welfare and engagement with labour unions have helped ensure stability across tertiary institutions in the state.
He also 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.
Oborevwori further encouraged students to take advantage of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to ease the financial burden associated with higher education.
Congratulating the graduating students, the governor urged them to remain diligent, innovative and upright as they move into the next phase of their lives, advising them to reject shortcuts and uphold excellence as worthy ambassadors of their university and Delta State.
A 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 an outstanding CGPA of 4.93.
Governor Oborevwori rewarded the valedictorian with a cash prize of N5 million, while 24 other First Class graduates received N1 million each in recognition of their exceptional academic performance.
Earlier in his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, 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 campus lacked basic infrastructure, forcing the management to operate from temporary spaces.
Despite the early challenges, he said the university had recorded remarkable growth within a short period.
According to him, the institution admitted about 150 students at inception in 2021, but admissions rose to 1,589 in the 2022/2023 academic session and further increased to 4,403 in the 2024/2025 academic session across eight faculties.
Professor Oghojafor disclosed that the university has so far admitted a total of 14,851 students, adding that within five years its academic staff have produced over 547 journal publications, 234 conference proceedings and seven books.
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.
The Vice-Chancellor added that the institution 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 dedication to excellence and urged the graduating students to uphold integrity and remain worthy ambassadors of the university.
In her valedictory speech, the overall best graduating student, Mike-Ogisi Regina Chukwufunannya, commended the Delta State Government and the management of the university for providing a conducive learning environment and assured that the graduands would continue to make the institution proud in their future endeavours.
Of the 416 graduates produced at the maiden convocation ceremony, 25 graduated with First Class honours, 167 with Second Class Upper Division, 185 with Second Class Lower Division, while 39 earned Third Class degrees.
