OZORO/Nigeria: Delta State Governor and Visitor to Southern Delta University (SDU), Ozoro, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Saturday approved critical infrastructural projects for the institution as it graduated 1,231 students, including four First Class honours recipients, at its maiden convocation ceremony.
The event marked a historic milestone in the university’s growth and development.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Oborevwori expressed gratitude to God for the steady progress of the institution, describing the maiden convocation as the beginning of many future achievements for a university built on resilience and excellence.
Earlier, the Governor commissioned key facilities, including laboratories and workshops for the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, male and female hostels, the Faculty of Computing complex, and the Faculty of Medical Sciences building constructed by the state government.
He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for establishing the institution in 2021 as the Delta State University of Science and Technology, noting that he presided over the legislative process at the time as Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
“Despite criticisms driven by narrow political interests, the benefits are now clear. Thousands of students who may not have had access to university education have been admitted, trained and graduated,” he said.
The Governor explained that the renaming of the institution to Southern Delta University was intended to broaden its academic scope and facilitate the accreditation of more programmes in line with the administration’s vision for inclusive and responsive education.
In response to requests by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jacob Oboreh, Oborevwori approved several additional projects, including ambulances, equipment for the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, hostels for medical students, a Faculty of Law complex, completion of the Computer-Based Test Centre, and perimeter fencing.
He also commended Engr. Godwin Izomor for offering automatic employment to the overall best graduating student and announced a cash award of ₦5 million for the top graduate, alongside ₦1 million each for the remaining three First Class graduands.
A breakdown of the graduating class showed 421 students in the Second Class Upper Division, 796 in the Second Class Lower Division, and 10 in other categories.
In his address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Jacob Oboreh described the convocation as a watershed moment in the institution’s history, tracing its transformation from a College of Agriculture to Delta State Polytechnic, and ultimately to a full-fledged university in 2021.
He disclosed that the university has expanded from six faculties with 45 programmes to 11 faculties offering 89 programmes, all accredited by the National Universities Commission.
Oboreh highlighted ongoing infrastructural development, including faculty buildings, hostels, internal road networks, staff quarters, a perimeter fence and the acquisition of over 900 computers.
He also acknowledged the donation of ten fully furnished workshops by Engr. Godwin Izomor and the completion of a previously abandoned 1,200-seat auditorium.
The Vice-Chancellor appealed for continued government support in key areas, including medical accreditation requirements, power supply through an independent power plant, additional hostels, the establishment of a Teaching Hospital in Ozoro, and completion of the Computer-Based Examination Centre.
Also speaking, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Ambassador Godson Echegile, commended the host communities of Ozoro and Orerokpe for their support and praised the Convocation Lecturer, General Alexander Ogomudia (rtd), for delivering a lecture titled “Beyond Oil: The University and the Future of the Niger Delta.”
Delivering the valedictory speech, the overall best graduating student, Frank Akaine, thanked God, the State Government, university management, lecturers and parents for their support.
He described the pioneer class as trailblazers who navigated the uncertainties of a new institution with determination.
“We came in as the first set unsure of what the future held, but today we leave as proud alumni of a fast-rising university,” he said.
The ceremony attracted dignitaries, traditional rulers, political leaders, academics and community stakeholders, marking a defining chapter in the history of Southern Delta University, Ozoro.
