…As Governor Oborevwori Endorses Teaching Hospital, Rewards Academic Excellence
By Sunday Apah
The University of Delta, Agbor (UNIDEL), marked a historic milestone on Saturday as it held its first convocation ceremony, graduating 1,606 students—including 30 First-Class honorees—four years after its establishment.
During the event, Delta State Governor and University Visitor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, unveiled a series of incentives and policy measures designed to bolster academic distinction at the young institution.
The Governor announced a ₦5 million cash prize for the Best Graduating Student and ₦500,000 for each First-Class graduate, with funds to be disbursed promptly.
Governor Oborevwori also approved a proposal from the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stella Chiemeke, to integrate the Mother and Child Hospital, General Hospital in Agbor, and the Diagnostic Centre in Owa-Alero into a University Teaching Hospital.
This move is seen as vital for securing full accreditation for UNIDEL’s medical programs. Also, he committed to providing a coaster bus to assist with the university’s transportation requirements.
Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, the Governor described the convocation as a turning point that represents not only the conferral of degrees but also the success of vision, determination, and focused leadership.
He emphasized that the founding of UNIDEL and other state universities—once questioned as a potential misallocation of resources—has been justified by rising enrolment and their positive socioeconomic influence.
“Today we celebrate a young institution that has progressed decisively from idea to reality,” Oborevwori stated. “Delta State now educates over 100,000 students in its tertiary institutions, fostering job growth, commerce, and service delivery on an unprecedented scale.”
He acknowledged former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for his foresight in establishing the university and praised the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council, management, senate, and staff for guiding UNIDEL into a rapidly emerging hub of learning.
Addressing the graduates, he encouraged them to be courageous, inventive, and persistent, and to actively forge their own opportunities.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Stella Chiemeke reported that the university presented graduates from seven faculties across the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 sessions, all recognized for sound character and scholarly achievement. She noted that every graduate received their certificate and transcript on the day of the ceremony.
Prof. Chiemeke also highlighted institutional accomplishments under her leadership, such as full accreditation of all programs by the National Universities Commission, expanded international partnerships, upgraded facilities, improved security, and increasing global visibility.
She mentioned that roughly 4,000 students in need had benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund during the academic year.
Despite its recent founding, UNIDEL already ranks third in Nigeria for sustainability and places within the global 801–1000 range in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. More than 180 of its academics are listed in the 2026 AD Scientific Index.
The Pro-Chancellor and Council Chairman, Emeritus Prof. Emmanuel A. C. Nwanze, characterized the convocation as both a celebration and a time for reflection, applauding the dedication of staff and students and commending the Vice-Chancellor for her dynamic and purposeful leadership.
Earlier in the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori was formally invested as Visitor to the University in accordance with its establishing laws and received a special recognition award alongside 17 other distinguished Nigerians.
Award recipients included former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, Zenith Bank Chairman Mr. Jim Ovia, Niger Delta Development Commission Chairman, Barr. Chiedu Ebie, and former Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Mr. Chris Maiyaki.
Speaking on behalf of fellow honorees, Senator Okowa thanked the university leadership for the recognition and applauded the institution’s clear progress.
He also commended Governor Oborevwori for his steadfast support, describing him as a central figure in the vision that brought three state universities into being in 2021.
Okowa emphasized that the Governor’s ongoing commitment has fortified these institutions, ensured their stability, and expanded higher education access for countless young people across Delta State.
The top graduating student, Victoria Uzoma from the Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences, achieved a remarkable Grade Point Average of 4.97.
In an emotional address, she credited her outstanding success to divine favour and dedication throughout her academic journey.
