Governor of Delta State and Visitor to Southern Delta University (SDU), Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Saturday approved critical infrastructural projects for the institution as it graduated 1,231 students at its maiden convocation ceremony in Ozoro.
The historic ceremony marked a significant milestone in the university’s evolution, with four students earning First Class honours among the graduating cohort.
Addressing the gathering, Gov. Oborevwori expressed gratitude to God for the successful establishment and growth of the institution, describing the maiden convocation as “the first of many remarkable achievements” for a university built on resilience, excellence and hard work.
The governor commissioned several projects executed by the state government, 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.
Oborevwori paid tribute to his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for the foresight in establishing the university in 2021 as Delta State University of Science and Technology.
He noted that he presided over the legislative process that birthed the institution during his tenure as Speaker of the Delta 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,” the governor said.
He explained that the amendment of the law to rename the institution as Southern Delta University was aimed at broadening its academic scope and facilitating the accreditation of additional programmes, in line with his administration’s commitment to inclusive and responsive education.
The governor also approved key requests presented by the Vice-Chancellor, including the provision of additional ambulances, equipment for the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, hostels for medical students, construction of a Faculty of Law complex, completion of the Computer-Based Test Centre, perimeter fencing, and other essential infrastructure.
In recognition of academic excellence, Oborevwori announced a cash award of ₦5 million for the overall best graduating student, Frank Akaine, and ₦1 million each for the other three First Class graduates.
He commended Engr. Godwin Izomor for offering automatic employment to the overall best graduating student, emphasizing that outstanding performance must always be rewarded.
A breakdown of the graduating class shows that 1,231 students received degrees, including four First Class honours recipients, 421 Second Class Upper Division, 796 Second Class Lower Division, and 10 in other categories.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jacob Oboreh, described the maiden convocation as a watershed moment in the institution’s history. He traced its transformation from a College of Agriculture to Delta State Polytechnic, and eventually to a full-fledged university in 2021.
According to him, the university has expanded from six faculties offering 45 programmes to 11 faculties with 89 programmes, all approved and accredited by the National Universities Commission.
Oboreh highlighted major infrastructural strides, including the construction of faculty complexes, laboratories, hostels, internal road networks, staff quarters, a perimeter fence, and the procurement of over 900 computers.
He also acknowledged the donation of ten fully furnished workshops by Engineer Godwin Izomor and the completion of previously abandoned projects, including a 1,200-seat auditorium.
The Vice-Chancellor appealed for continued government support, particularly in meeting medical accreditation requirements, establishing an independent power plant, constructing additional hostels, setting up a Teaching Hospital in Ozoro, completing perimeter fencing, and finalising the Computer-Based Examination Centre.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Ambassador Godson Echegile, commended the support of the Ozoro and Orerokpe communities 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.”
In his valedictory speech, the overall best graduating student, Frank Akaine, described the pioneer class as trailblazers who navigated the uncertainties of a newly established institution with courage and 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. This achievement is a testament to resilience, sacrifice and the power of vision,” 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.
