Delta State Governor and Visitor to Southern Delta University (SDU), Ozoro, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Saturday approved major infrastructure projects for the institution as it celebrated a significant milestone graduating 1,231 students, including four First Class honourees, at its maiden convocation ceremony.
The ceremony represented a historic moment in the university’s evolution and steady rise. Speaking at the event, Governor Oborevwori thanked God for the institution’s remarkable progress, describing the first convocation as the foundation for many more accomplishments to come for a university built on resilience and academic excellence.
Before the ceremony, the Governor inaugurated several key projects executed by the state government. These included laboratories and workshops for the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, new male and female hostels, the Faculty of Computing complex, and the Faculty of Medical Sciences building.
He paid tribute to his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, who established the university in 2021 as Delta State University of Science and Technology. Oborevwori noted that he presided over the legislative process that birthed the institution during his tenure as Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
According to him, despite initial criticisms rooted in political interests, the university’s impact is now evident. He pointed out that many students who might not otherwise have accessed higher education have now been admitted, trained, and graduated.
The Governor explained that the decision to rename the institution Southern Delta University was aimed at expanding its academic focus and enabling the accreditation of more programmes, in line with his administration’s vision for inclusive and responsive education.
Responding to requests from the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jacob Oboreh, Oborevwori approved additional projects, including ambulances, equipment for the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, dedicated hostels for medical students, a Faculty of Law complex, completion of the Computer-Based Test Centre, and perimeter fencing.
He also praised Engr. Godwin Izomor for offering automatic employment to the overall best graduating student. In addition, the Governor announced a ₦5 million cash award for the top graduate and ₦1 million each for the other three First Class graduands.
Of the 1,231 graduates, 421 earned Second Class Upper Division, 796 obtained Second Class Lower Division, while 10 fell into other categories.
In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor Professor Jacob Oboreh described the convocation as a turning point in the university’s history. He traced its transformation from a College of Agriculture to Delta State Polytechnic, and ultimately to a full-fledged university in 2021.
He revealed that the institution has grown from six faculties offering 45 programmes to 11 faculties with 89 programmes, all accredited by the National Universities Commission.
Oboreh highlighted ongoing development projects across campus, including new faculty buildings, student hostels, internal road networks, staff quarters, a perimeter fence, and the procurement of over 900 computers. He also acknowledged the donation of ten fully equipped workshops by Engr. Godwin Izomor, as well as the completion of a previously abandoned 1,200-seat auditorium.
The Vice-Chancellor appealed for sustained government support, particularly in meeting medical accreditation requirements, establishing an independent power plant, constructing additional hostels, setting up a Teaching Hospital in Ozoro, and completing 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 cooperation. He also praised the Convocation Lecturer, General Alexander Ogomudia (rtd), for delivering a lecture titled “Beyond Oil: The University and the Future of the Niger Delta.”
