The Delta State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Ofuoma–Ughelli, on Thursday matriculated 688 students into the institution for the 2025/2026 academic session, marking its 30th matriculation ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Provost, Dr. (Mrs.) Eravweroso C. Odiete described the event as historic, noting that it was the first matriculation conducted under her leadership since her appointment by Delta State Governor in August last year.
She said the occasion symbolised both a privilege and a sacred trust, stressing that matriculation is a solemn academic rite that formally admits students into the academic, moral and professional community of the college.
Dr. Congrat congratulated the newly admitted students, reminding them that from the moment of matriculation, they had become bona fide students of the institution.
She urged them to uphold discipline, integrity and compassion, emphasizing that admission into the college is a privilege that must be sustained through hard work, obedience to rules and commitment to excellence.
According to her, while certificates may qualify graduates professionally, character and conduct ultimately define them.
The Provost expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government for its continued support for education and health manpower development.
She also acknowledged the Governing Council, management, staff, parents and guardians for their collective contributions to the growth of the institution.
She reaffirmed the college’s commitment to quality teaching, professional standards and the provision of a conducive learning environment, noting that the current administration is focused on repositioning the college for growth and excellence.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Dr. Chris Oharisi, said the institution was in a celebratory mood, with activities ongoing as part of the “Student Health Week,” a week-long programme featuring matriculation, convocation and other key institutional events.
He, however, drew attention to several infrastructural challenges confronting the college, including a 600-capacity auditorium whose equipment has been approved but cannot be installed due to the incomplete state of the building.
Chief Oharisi also highlighted other stalled projects, such as an unfinished science laboratory and a prolonged power outage that has affected the institution for about 10 years, despite engagements with the Ministry of Power and Energy.
He appealed to the Delta State Government to prioritise the completion of these projects to enhance teaching and learning.
On academic development, he noted that the institution’s upgrade from a monotechnic to a full-fledged college has significantly improved its academic standards.
He added that structural adjustments requested by the Ministry of Higher Education have been completed and would soon be forwarded for implementation.
He expressed optimism that the state government would approve pending applications and continue to support the institution’s ongoing transformation.
The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the matriculation oath to the newly admitted students, formally ushering them into the academic community of the college.
