By Sunday Apah
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, inaugurated several newly completed facilities at Southern Delta University in Ozoro this Saturday. The event formed part of the university’s first-ever convocation ceremony.
The commissioned projects include a science laboratory block, the Faculty of Computing Complex, and the Pa James Odhokpa Izomor Engineering Workshops—a set of ten fully equipped workshops donated by Engineer Godwin Izomor.
Also opened were new male and female student hostels and the Faculty of Medical Sciences building, funded by the Delta State Government.
During the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori expressed appreciation for the milestone and praised the university’s rapid development.
“I give thanks to God for this day and commend Southern Delta University for achieving such significant progress in a relatively short time,” he stated.
The Governor noted that his schedule began before 9 a.m. with the opening of key facilities, including laboratories and workshops for the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and the Faculty of Computing Complex.
He particularly highlighted the engineering workshops, funded through private donation in memory of Pa James Izomor, as an inspiring example of investment in education and human capital.
“While some choose to spend on luxury, this family has invested in the future through education. That is highly praiseworthy, and I pray God continues to bless them,” Oborevwori said.
He also applauded the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jacob Oboreh, along with the Governing Council and university management, for the transparent and efficient use of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), which he said has directly supported infrastructure growth.
“The prudent management of internally generated funds here is commendable. I urge other university vice-chancellors to adopt similar practices,” he added, reaffirming the institution’s autonomy to utilize its IGR for development.
Regarding the Faculty of Medical Sciences, the Governor recalled visiting the site the previous year and pledging a quality structure to support the new faculty.
“I am pleased to see that promise fulfilled today. The standard of work here is outstanding and marks an important phase in the university’s expansion. This is a promise made and kept,” he remarked.
He described the medical faculty as vital for advancing medical education and scientific research within the state.
In his address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Jacob Oboreh explained that many of the projects were funded through internally generated revenue and carried out via direct labour, ensuring both cost efficiency and quality.
He thanked Governor Oborevwori for consistent financial support and commitment, which he said enabled the young institution to accomplish substantial infrastructural and academic progress quickly.
The project inaugurations served as a key feature of the historic inaugural convocation, underscoring the state government’s dedication to enhancing tertiary education and providing modern learning environments to foster innovation in Delta State.
