Southern Delta University Maiden Convocation: Oborevwori Inaugurates Landmark Projects, Approves Key Infrastructure, Rewards Excellence

Delta State Governor and Visitor to Southern Delta University (SDU), Ozoro, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Saturday inaugurated a series of landmark infrastructure projects, approved new critical developments, and rewarded outstanding graduates as the institution held its historic maiden convocation ceremony.

The event marked a defining milestone in the university’s evolution, with 1,231 students graduating, including four First Class honours recipients, underscoring the steady academic and infrastructural growth of the young institution.

Landmark Projects Commissioned
Earlier in the day, Governor Oborevwori began activities before 9 a.m. with the commissioning of key facilities executed through a mix of government funding, internally generated revenue (IGR), and private donations. The projects include:
A block of science laboratories
Laboratories and workshops for the Faculty of Environmental Sciences
The Faculty of Computing Complex
The Pa James Odhokpa Izomor Engineering Workshops (10 fully equipped workshops donated by Engr. Godwin Izomor)
Newly constructed male and female hostels
The Faculty of Medical Sciences building constructed by the Delta State Government.

The Governor described the engineering workshops, built in memory of Pa James Izomor, as a commendable private-sector investment in education and human capital development.

“While many people invest their wealth in luxury and showmanship, this family chose to invest in education. This is deeply commendable,” he said.

“A Promise Made, A Promise Kept”
Reflecting on the Faculty of Medical Sciences building, Oborevwori recalled inspecting the structure last year and promising that the new faculty would be provided with a befitting facility and conducive learning environment.

“Today, I am glad to say that this promise has been fulfilled. The quality of work delivered here speaks volumes. This is indeed a very significant project — a promise made and a promise kept.”
He described the medical faculty project as critical to advancing medical education and scientific research in Delta State.

Approval of Critical Infrastructure
During the convocation ceremony, the Governor approved key requests presented by the Vice-Chancellor, including:
Additional 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
Perimeter fencing
Other essential infrastructure.

He also reaffirmed that the university is permitted to control and deploy its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for developmental purposes, commending the management for prudent and transparent financial stewardship.

Rewarding Academic Excellence
Governor Oborevwori announced:
₦5 million cash award for the overall best graduating student
₦1 million each for the other three First Class graduates
Engr. Godwin Izomor also offered automatic employment to the overall best graduating student.

A breakdown of the 1,231 graduates shows:
4 First Class
421 Second Class Upper Division
796 Second Class Lower Division
10 in other categories
The Governor emphasized that excellence must always be rewarded and encouraged graduates to uphold integrity and hard work.

From Polytechnic to Full University
In his address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Jacob Oboreh described the maiden convocation as a watershed moment, tracing the institution’s evolution from a College of Agriculture to Delta State Polytechnic, and eventually to Delta State University of Science and Technology in 2021, before its renaming to Southern Delta University to broaden its academic scope.

Governor Oborevwori paid tribute to his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, for the foresight in establishing the university in 2021, noting that he presided over the legislative process as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly at the time.

He stated that despite initial criticisms, the benefits are now evident, as thousands of students who might not have had access to university education have been admitted, trained, and graduated.

The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university has expanded from six faculties with 45 programmes to 11 faculties with 89 accredited programmes, all approved by the National Universities Commission. He highlighted additional infrastructural developments, including staff quarters, internal road networks, perimeter fencing, procurement of over 900 computers, and the completion of a 1,200-seater auditorium.

A Historic Milestone
The overall best graduating student, Frank Akaine, in his valedictory speech, described the pioneer class as trailblazers who overcame the uncertainties of a newly established institution with resilience 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.”

The ceremony attracted dignitaries, traditional rulers, political leaders, academics, and community stakeholders, reinforcing the Delta State Government’s commitment to strengthening tertiary education and providing modern facilities to support learning, research, and innovation.

With landmark projects inaugurated and new ones approved, Southern Delta University’s maiden convocation stands as a defining chapter in its history and a bold step toward positioning the institution as a leading academic hub in the Niger Delta.