Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed the state’s position as Nigeria’s leading hub for tertiary education, boasting four public universities and a commitment to infrastructural development in the education sector.
Speaking during the inspection of ongoing projects at the Southern Delta University (SDU) campuses in Ozoro and Orerokpe on Tuesday, Governor Oborevwori praised the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jacob Oboreh, for channeling internally generated revenue (IGR) into critical infrastructural development. He commended the university’s initiative to expand facilities, particularly for the newly introduced Faculty of Medical Sciences.
"Delta State is the hub of education in Nigeria. We are the only state that has four public universities, and by the grace of God, more will come,” the governor stated. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of a major structure initially designated for Management Sciences but later repurposed to house the Faculty of Medical Sciences, including lecture halls, laboratories, and a mortuary.
Governor Oborevwori also announced the National Universities Commission's (NUC) formal approval of the institution’s name change from Delta State University of Science and Technology to Southern Delta University. He emphasized that the rebranding would pave the way for the introduction of new academic programs, including Law and other courses.
Encouraging other universities in the state to emulate SDU’s prudent financial management, the governor lauded the university's commitment to utilizing its IGR for infrastructural expansion. "I challenge other universities to do the same. Solely depending on state government funding will not allow growth. With strategic investment from their IGR, coupled with state subventions and infrastructure support, our universities will become stronger and more competitive," he said.
On the absence of strike actions by universities in Delta State, Governor Oborevwori attributed it to the government's commitment to staff welfare. "We provide their subventions, meet their requests, and ensure they are well paid. With the facilities and support we offer, there is no reason for them to join national strikes. We understand the value of education and want our young people in school rather than idle," he stated.
Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Jacob Oboreh, commended Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to education and the remarkable progress made at the institution. He highlighted the ongoing construction at the Orerokpe campus, which will house the Faculties of Administration, Social Sciences, and Arts, with plans to introduce the Faculty of Law.
Expressing urgency in project completion, Professor Oboreh urged contractors to accelerate construction to facilitate the movement of approximately 3,000 students to the new campus by September. "The facilities here meet NUC standards, and what we have in some main campuses of other universities is not even as extensive as what is being developed here. The governor’s commitment to education is commendable," he said.
Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to education, emphasizing that by investing in quality infrastructure and staff welfare, Delta State would continue to set the benchmark for tertiary education in Nigeria.
