The maiden convocation of University of Delta, Agbor (UNIDEL) marked a historic milestone as the institution graduated 1,606 students, including 30 First-Class graduates, just four years after its establishment.
The colourful ceremony was attended by dignitaries from across the country, with the Governor of Delta State and Visitor to the University, Sheriff Oborevwori, announcing major incentives to reward academic excellence and strengthen the young institution.
₦5 Million for Best Graduate, ₦500,000 for First-Class Honours.
Governor Oborevwori disclosed that the overall Best Graduating Student would receive a ₦5 million cash award, while each of the 30 First-Class graduates would receive ₦500,000, payable immediately.
The overall best graduating student, Victoria Uzoma of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Department of Business Administration, emerged with an outstanding GPA of 4.97.
Teaching Hospital Approved
In a major policy decision, the Governor approved the request of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stella Chiemeke, for the conversion of the Mother and Child Hospital, General Hospital, Agbor, and the Diagnostic Centre, Owa-Alero, into a University Teaching Hospital — a critical step toward securing full accreditation for UNIDEL’s medical programmes.
He also pledged the donation of a coaster bus to support the university’s transportation needs.
“A Watershed Moment” — Oborevwori
Describing the convocation as a watershed moment, Governor Oborevwori said the ceremony symbolised more than the award of degrees, but the triumph of vision, courage and purposeful leadership.
He noted that the establishment of UNIDEL and other state-owned universities — initially criticised by some — has been vindicated by rising enrolment and growing socio-economic impact across Delta State.
He paid tribute to his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, whose administration established the university in 2021, and commended the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council, Management, Senate and staff for nurturing the institution into a fast-rising centre of learning.
Strong Academic Milestones
In her address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Stella Chiemeke disclosed that the 1,606 graduates were drawn from seven faculties across the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions.
She highlighted major achievements of the university, including:
Full accreditation of all programmes by the National Universities Commission
Strong international collaborations
Improved infrastructure and campus security
Growing global recognition
She revealed that about 4,000 indigent students benefitted from loans under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund in the current academic session.
Despite its young age, UNIDEL ranked third best in Nigeria for sustainability and placed within the 801–1000 band globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, while over 180 academics featured in the 2026 AD Scientific Index.
Recognition of Eminent Nigerians
During the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori was formally decorated as Visitor to the University and later honoured with a university award of recognition alongside 17 other eminent Nigerians.
Among the awardees were:
Ifeanyi Okowa
Mr. Jim Ovia, Chairman of Zenith Bank
Barr. Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission
Mr. Chris Maiyaki, former Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Senator Okowa expressed appreciation to the university management and commended Governor Oborevwori for sustaining and strengthening the vision behind the establishment of three state-owned universities in Delta State.
A Historic Beginning
The maiden convocation not only celebrated academic excellence but also signaled UNIDEL’s consolidation as a key driver of educational expansion, economic stimulation and human capital development in Delta State.
For the pioneer graduands, the ceremony marked the beginning of a lifelong responsibility — to serve as worthy ambassadors of their alma mater and contribute meaningfully to society.
