Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, has once again demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence, graduating a total of 6,401 students for the 2023/2024 academic session. The momentous occasion, which marked the university’s 17th Convocation Ceremony, was filled with celebration, significant announcements, and renewed hope for the institution’s future.
In a powerful show of support for academic excellence, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori announced the automatic employment of the university’s overall best graduating student, Okwa Favour Oghenemine, a brilliant Mathematics graduate from the Faculty of Science who achieved an outstanding 4.95 CGPA. The governor emphasized that the employment offer was in keeping with DELSU’s tradition of rewarding excellence and encouraging hard work among its students.
The convocation ceremony was not only about undergraduate achievements. DELSU also recorded remarkable strides at the postgraduate level, awarding a total of 830 postgraduate degrees. This comprised 154 Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees, 438 Master’s degrees, and 238 Postgraduate Diplomas — a reflection of the university’s growing reputation as a hub for advanced learning and research.
In his remarks, Governor Oborevwori congratulated the graduands for being found worthy both in learning and in character, urging them to be proud ambassadors of DELSU and Delta State at large. His message was clear: education remains a cornerstone for societal development, and DELSU graduates must lead by example in their various professional and personal endeavors.
However, beyond the celebrations, Governor Oborevwori addressed a longstanding infrastructural challenge plaguing the university. Responding to an appeal by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Asagba, the governor ordered the revocation of the abandoned Senate Building project, which has been left incomplete for over 22 years.
“The revocation will enable the state government to re-award the project to a capable contractor and ensure its swift completion,” Governor Oborevwori announced to thunderous applause. He directed the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerowho Tonukari, to immediately initiate revocation proceedings and fast-track the re-award process, underlining his administration’s commitment to providing conducive learning and administrative environments.
The call for the expedited completion of infrastructure projects was also echoed by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, General Alexander Ogomudia (rtd), who appealed to the state government to prioritize ongoing and abandoned projects in the university. General Ogomudia reminded the fresh graduates of their duty to uphold the values of the university and be shining lights in their chosen careers.
Earlier in his welcome address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Samuel Asagba celebrated the university’s recent accomplishments. He proudly announced that DELSU had achieved 100 percent accreditation for all its academic programmes — a feat not easily accomplished among Nigerian universities. Additionally, DELSU had earned a respectable 20th position among over 300 universities in Nigeria and secured the 3rd position among state-owned universities nationwide, according to recent national rankings.
The 17th convocation ceremony was a reflection of DELSU’s steady progress, resilience, and a renewed commitment to excellence. As the newly minted graduates step into the world, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of a university that is steadily ascending the ranks of higher education in Nigeria.
