University of Delta, Agbor Holds Maiden Convocation, Produces 30 First-Class Graduates, as Oborevwori Approve Teaching Hospital

The University of Delta, Agbor (UNIDEL) on Saturday etched its name into history as it graduated its pioneer set of students, including 30 First-Class graduates, at its maiden convocation ceremony just four years after its establishment.

The colourful event drew dignitaries, academic leaders and families to celebrate what stakeholders described as a defining milestone in Delta State’s higher education journey.

Oborevwori Rewards Academic Excellence
At the ceremony, the Governor of Delta State and Visitor to the University, Sheriff Oborevwori, announced generous incentives aimed at encouraging academic distinction.

₦5 million cash award for the Best Graduating Student
₦500,000 for each of the 30 First-Class graduates
Immediate payment of all awards
The Governor also pledged the donation of a coaster bus to enhance the university’s transportation system.
Describing the convocation as a watershed moment, Oborevwori said it symbolised not just the award of degrees but the triumph of vision, courage and purposeful leadership.

“Today’s event celebrates a young institution that has moved decisively from conception to consolidation,” he said, noting that Delta State now hosts over 100,000 students across its tertiary institutions boosting job creation and economic activity.

Teaching Hospital Approved for Medical Accreditation
In a major policy move, Governor Oborevwori approved the conversion of:
Mother and Child Hospital, Agbor
General Hospital, Agbor
Diagnostic Centre, Owa-Alero
into a University Teaching Hospital  a crucial step toward securing full accreditation for UNIDEL’s medical programmes.

The approval followed a formal request by the Vice-Chancellor, Stella Chiemeke.

1,606 Graduates, Full Accreditation, Global Recognition
In her address, Prof. Chiemeke disclosed that 1,606 students graduated across seven faculties from the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions.

She highlighted major milestones achieved by the young university:
Full accreditation of all programmes by the National Universities Commission
Strong international collaborations
Improved infrastructure and campus security
Immediate issuance of certificates and transcripts on convocation day
She further revealed that about 4,000 indigent students benefited from loans under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

On global rankings, UNIDEL:
Ranked 3rd in Nigeria for sustainability
Placed within the 801–1000 band globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

Recorded over 180 academics in the 2026 AD Scientific Index

Honours for Okowa, Ovia, Ebie, Maiyaki Others
The Governor was formally decorated as Visitor to the University and honoured alongside 17 eminent Nigerians.
Among them were:

Ifeanyi Okowa
Jim Ovia, Chairman of Zenith Bank
Chiedu Ebie
Chris Maiyaki
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Senator Okowa commended Governor Oborevwori for sustaining and strengthening the vision that led to the establishment of three state-owned universities in 2021.

Best Graduating Student Scores 4.97 GPA
The overall best graduating student, Victoria Uzoma of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Department of Business Administration, graduated with an exceptional 4.97 GPA.

In an emotional reflection, she attributed her remarkable achievement to divine grace and perseverance.

 A Historic Beginning
For many observers, UNIDEL’s maiden convocation marks not just the graduation of students but the consolidation of Delta State’s investment in higher education — transforming what was once criticised as ambitious into a fast-rising academic success story.
The pioneer graduands now carry the responsibility of serving as ambassadors of a university determined to compete nationally and globally.