Oborevwori Defends Creation of Three New Universities as Dennis Osadebay University Graduates 416 Pioneer Students

The Governor of Delta State and Visitor to Dennis Osadebay University, Sheriff Oborevwori, has defended the state government’s decision to establish three additional state-owned universities, stating that the move has greatly expanded access to higher education for thousands of young people in the state.

Governor Oborevwori made the remarks on Saturday, March 7, 2026, during the maiden convocation ceremony of the university in Asaba, where 416 pioneer students received their first degrees across several faculties.

The graduates were drawn from the Faculties of Agriculture, Arts, Behavioural Sciences, Computing, Environmental Sciences, Management Sciences, and Sciences.

According to the governor, the creation of the three universities in 2021 was a strategic response to the growing number of qualified candidates who were unable to secure admission due to limited spaces in existing institutions.

He recalled that in 2020, over 20,000 qualified applicants seeking admission into universities within Delta State could not be accommodated due to limited capacity at Delta State University.

To address this challenge, the state government established three new universities: University of Delta, Southern Delta University, and Dennis Osadebay University. 

Oborevwori noted that the policy has already begun to yield positive results. “The decision to expand the state’s higher education system has provided opportunities for more young people to pursue university education,” the governor said.

The governor disclosed that the first graduation cycle from the three newly established universities has produced 3,203 graduates.

The breakdown includes: 1,206 graduates from the University of Delta, Agbor, 1,231 graduates from Southern Delta University, Ozoro, and 416 graduates from Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba

He described the convocation ceremony as a historic milestone in Delta State’s efforts to strengthen tertiary education and develop a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and sustainable development.

Governor Oborevwori also reflected on the passage of the law that established the universities in 2021, noting that he was serving as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly at the time.

According to him, he never imagined he would later return as governor and Visitor to celebrate the graduation of the pioneer students.

He acknowledged the role played by his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, who signed the bill creating the universities into law.

The governor highlighted several infrastructure projects already completed at the university under his administration’s MORE Agenda.

These include: Faculty of Agriculture complex, Faculty of Environmental Sciences complex, Engineering workshops, A 500-seat lecture hall, Internal road networks, Vice-Chancellor’s lodge, and University gatehouse.

He added that the Faculty of Environmental Sciences building has been fully furnished, while construction work continues at the Faculty of Management Sciences, alongside the building of a perimeter fence and additional student hostels.

Oborevwori also announced plans to construct a sports complex, Faculty of Law building, and more hostel facilities.

The governor reiterated that education remains a key pillar of his administration’s development strategy.

He said the government has continued to improve funding, enhance staff welfare, and maintain dialogue with labour unions to ensure stability in tertiary institutions across the state.

He also revealed that through the Tertiary Institutions Entrepreneurship Programme, students are being equipped with practical skills, mentorship, and start-up support to enable them become entrepreneurs rather than job seekers.

In addition, he encouraged students to take advantage of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) introduced by Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ease the financial burden of higher education.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori (right), congratulating Miss Mike-Ogisi Regina Chukwufunnya of the Department of Accounting, Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, who emerged the overall best graduating student with an outstanding CGPA of 4.93, during the maiden convocation ceremony of the institution on Saturday, while the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari (2nd left), looks on.

The highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of the overall best graduating student and valedictorian, Mike-Ogisi Regina Chukwufunannya, from the Accounting Department. She graduated with an impressive CGPA of 4.93.

Governor Oborevwori awarded her ₦5 million, while 24 other First Class graduates received ₦1 million each for their academic excellence.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Ben Oghojafor, described the maiden convocation as a major turning point for the young institution.

He revealed that the university admitted only about 150 students when it began operations in 2021.

However, admissions increased rapidly, reaching: 1,589 students in the 2022/2023 session, 4,403 students in the 2024/2025 session. In total, the university has admitted 14,851 students within five years.

Professor Oghojafor also disclosed that the institution’s academic staff have produced over 547 journal publications, 234 conference papers, and seven books.

The university has also established academic partnerships with institutions in the United Kingdom and the University of the West Indies, Jamaica.

He added that the university is collaborating with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria to enable students obtain professional certifications alongside their degrees, while discussions are ongoing with Cisco Systems to strengthen digital skills training.

Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Robert Ikomi, described the event as a defining moment in the history of the institution.

He commended the management, staff, and students for their dedication and urged the graduates to uphold integrity as ambassadors of the university.

Out of the 416 graduates, 25 graduated with First Class honours, 167 earned Second Class Upper Division, 185 obtained Second Class Lower Division, and 39 graduated with Third Class degrees.