By Oghenefejiro Emado
07, March 2026
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has justified the establishment of three new state-owned universities, saying the move has expanded access to higher education for thousands of students.
Speaking at the maiden convocation ceremony of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Oborevwori noted that the universities – University of Delta, Agbor; Southern Delta University, Ozoro; and Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba – produced 3,203 graduates.
The governor explained that the establishment of the universities in 2021 addressed the issue of limited spaces in existing institutions, citing over 20,000 qualified students unable to secure admission in 2020. He highlighted infrastructure projects at Dennis Osadebay University, including Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences complexes, engineering workshops, and student hostels.
Oborevwori encouraged graduates to remain diligent, innovative, and upright, and urged them to utilize the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to ease financial burdens. The best graduating student, Mike-Ogisi Regina Chukwufunannya, received a N5 million cash prize, while 24 First Class graduates got N1 million each.
Dennis Osadebay University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ben Oghojafor, noted the institution’s growth, from 150 students in 2021 to 4,403 in the 2024/2025 session. The university has established academic partnerships and collaborations with institutions in the UK and Jamaica I
