By Rosheedat Akinkunle, JKNewsMedia Reporter
DELTA STATE University’s abandoned Senate Building faces a revival after more than two decades in limbo, as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori orders its revocation and re-award.
At the 17th Convocation Ceremony of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori issued a direct order to revoke the long-abandoned Senate Building project.
The directive, made publicly during his address, paves the way for re-awarding the stalled project to a competent contractor to ensure timely completion.
The Governor’s decision came in response to a formal appeal by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samuel Asagba, who described the incomplete structure as a lingering setback for the institution’s growth. The project has been abandoned for over 22 years.
Governor Oborevwori instructed the State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, to commence immediate revocation proceedings.
As part of DELSU’s long-standing tradition, the Governor announced automatic employment for the best graduating student, Miss Okwa Favour Oghenemine, who achieved an outstanding 4.95 CGPA from the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science.
He congratulated the 6,401 graduands for distinguishing themselves in learning and character, urging them to represent the university with honour in their future endeavours.
He also commended the Governing Council and University Management for their commitment to educational excellence and infrastructure.
Earlier in the day, Governor Oborevwori commissioned a newly completed 1-kilometre road linking the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences with the Faculty of Arts.
He praised the university authorities for completing a series of development projects within a short span, further reaffirming his administration’s focus on enhancing educational infrastructure across Delta State.
Addressing attendees, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, General Alexander Ogomudia (Rtd), expressed deep appreciation to the Governor for his consistent support.
He appealed to donor agencies and philanthropic individuals to assist in driving further infrastructural development across the university.
He urged the state government to fast-track ongoing and abandoned capital projects to sustain the momentum of recent accomplishments.
In his welcome address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Samuel Asagba announced that a total of 6,401 students graduated from the 2023/2024 academic session.
This figure includes 830 postgraduate students, with 154 Ph.D. holders, 438 Master’s graduates, and 238 recipients of Postgraduate Diplomas.
He highlighted DELSU’s significant academic strides, including 100% accreditation of all academic programmes and a high national ranking.
According to Elsevier’s global SciVal analytics, the university now ranks 20th overall among more than 300 Nigerian universities and 3rd among state-owned institutions.
The convocation also featured the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on three eminent personalities: Chief Broderick Uvieoghene Arigbodi (Doctor of Science), Professor Tanure Ojaide (Doctor of Letters), and High Chief Eta Enahoro (Doctor of Business Administration), in recognition of their contributions to science, literature, and industry, respectively.
Delivering the valedictory speech, Miss Okwa Favour Oghenemine thanked the University Management for fostering academic excellence and providing critical support systems such as the Student Work and Scholarship Schemes, which she credited for assisting indigent students.
Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening higher education and developing sustainable infrastructure across Delta State’s academic institutions.
