By Rita Mokobia.
ABRAKA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Saturday challenged graduates of Delta State University to look beyond the shrinking prospects of white-collar employment and position themselves as creators of value through innovation, entrepreneurship and self-reliance in a fast-evolving global economy.
The governor delivered the message at the institution’s 18th Convocation Ceremony in Abraka, a colourful gathering that drew graduating students, academics, families and top government officials to celebrate the achievements of the 2024/2025 academic cohort.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, Oborevwori said the changing realities of the modern economy demand a shift in the philosophy of higher education, stressing that universities must produce graduates armed not only with academic qualifications but with practical, solution-driven skills.
He observed that the steady rise in the number of graduates from tertiary institutions across the state has made the traditional expectation of automatic employment increasingly untenable, insisting that creativity, adaptability and innovation now define success in today’s world.
According to him, Delta State University alone produced 5,109 graduates in the 2025 cycle, while the four universities in the state collectively graduated 8,362 students, a development he described as both promising and demanding.
“The realities of today’s world compel us to rethink the purpose of university education,” the governor stated.
He added that the future belongs to individuals who can create opportunities rather than depend on them.
“Our institutions must continue to reform their curricula to reflect contemporary realities, with greater emphasis on entrepreneurship, digital literacy and problem-solving skills. Our graduates must be equipped not just to seek jobs, but to create them,” he declared.
Oborevwori described convocation as more than a ceremonial rite, noting that it marks the culmination of years of discipline and sacrifice while ushering graduates into a phase of greater responsibility.
He congratulated the students for their perseverance, urging them to uphold integrity, courage and excellence as they navigate an increasingly competitive environment.
“Be bold in your ambitions, resilient in the face of challenges, and guided by integrity in all your endeavours. The world you are entering is highly competitive, but it is also rich with opportunities for those who are prepared,” he advised.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening education through sustained investment in infrastructure, prompt payment of salaries and improved welfare for staff in state-owned institutions.
He stressed that education remains a critical driver of sustainable development and economic transformation.
Oborevwori also called on corporate organisations, alumni bodies and other stakeholders to complement government efforts in repositioning the sector, noting that maintaining academic excellence requires collective commitment.
While advocating innovative funding strategies for universities, he maintained that public institutions must evolve to meet 21st-century demands without sacrificing quality.
He further commended parents, guardians and sponsors for their sacrifices, describing them as indispensable partners in nation-building.
The governor praised the university’s Governing Council, management and staff for sustaining academic standards and discipline.
In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor, Samuel Asagba, disclosed that 107 students graduated with First Class honours, expressing appreciation to the state government for its continued support, including the completion of the Senate Building and improved welfare for lecturers at DELSUTH, Oghara.
As celebrations peaked at the convocation arena, the governor’s message stood out as a defining call for graduates to move beyond survival and take bold steps toward reshaping the economic future through enterprise, innovation and resilience.
