THE University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, has etched its name into the annals of educational history in Delta State with the successful hosting of its maiden convocation ceremony. This momentous event marks a significant milestone for an institution that, in just five years, has transformed from a nascent vision into a beacon of academic excellence and opportunity.
Established in 2021, UNIDEL was conceived as a strategic response to the pressing challenge of limited access to tertiary education in the state. At a time when thousands of young Deltans faced the grim prospect of deferred dreams due to the overburdened premier university, DELSU, and stringent admission criteria elsewhere, the government recognised the need to expand educational infrastructures. By upgrading the former College of Education in Agbor to a full-fledged university, alongside similar initiatives in other parts of the state, the administration aimed to democratise higher learning, ensuring that more Deltans could pursue degrees without the barriers of distance or scarcity.
This bold move was not merely an infrastructural upgrade; it was a commitment to equity, allowing students from diverse backgrounds to access quality education closer to home.
Five years on, UNIDEL now boasts a carrying capacity exceeding 17,000 students, a figure that underscores its role in absorbing a substantial number of admission seekers who might otherwise have seen their aspirations stalled or entirely thwarted. The first convocation saw 1,606 graduates cross the stage, a group of pioneers who have navigated the institution’s early challenges with resilience and determination. These graduates, equipped with degrees in various disciplines, represent the vanguard of many more to follow, as the university continues to expand its programmes and intake.
It is fitting, therefore, to pay tribute to the architects of this success. Immediate past Governor Ifeanyi Okowa deserves commendation for his visionary leadership in establishing UNIDEL and its sister institutions. His administration’s decision to prioritise education amidst competing demands was a strategic masterstroke, one that has now borne tangible results. Equally deserving of acclaim is the current Governor, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, whose contributions have been instrumental both in the past and present. As Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly during the university’s formative legislation, he provided unwavering support, ensuring the bill received the necessary parliamentary backing to become law. Today, as Governor, his dedication to UNIDEL remains undiminished.
During the convocation ceremony, he demonstrated this commitment anew by approving the establishment of a teaching hospital, a crucial step to bolster the university’s burgeoning medical department and accelerate its progress towards producing healthcare professionals. Additionally, his gesture of monetary rewards for outstanding students not only motivated the graduates but also signalled that excellence in education is rewarded under his watch. These actions affirm that education occupies a prominent place in his administration’s agenda, aligning with his broader vision for a more advanced and equitable Delta State.
No account of UNIDEL’s journey would be complete without lauding its management team, led by the indefatigable Vice-Chancellor, Prof Stella Chiemeke. An experienced academic and administrator, Professor Chiemeke has steered the institution with remarkable foresight and stability, fostering an environment of growth and discipline. Under her leadership, UNIDEL has expanded in leaps and bounds, introducing innovative programmes and infrastructure that cater to contemporary needs. Notably, the university has maintained a pristine record, free from incidents of student or staff unrest, protests, cultism, or examination malpractice.
This zero-tolerance approach has cultivated a culture of integrity and focus, essential for nurturing future leaders. Her efforts have not gone unrecognised on the global stage; in the recent Times Higher Education rankings, UNIDEL secured an impressive 51st position nationally, while holding a respectable spot in the international listings. Such achievements, for a young university, are extraordinary and portend even greater heights with sustained support.
While we celebrate this milestone, we find it imperative to encourage the state government not to relent in its backing of UNIDEL. Continued funding, infrastructural development, and policy support will be key to elevating the institution further, potentially climbing higher in global rankings and expanding its impact. Investments in research facilities, faculty development, and student scholarships would ensure that UNIDEL remains a competitive force, attracting talent from beyond Delta’s borders.
The teaching hospital approval is a promising start, but more such initiatives are needed to fully realise the university’s potential in addressing developmental challenges.
UNIDEL’s first convocation is not just an end but a beginning; it is a clarion call for ongoing commitment to education as the cornerstone of progress.
