Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Friday commissioned multiple academic facilities at the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Owa-Alero, in Ika North-East Local Government Area, underscoring his administration’s commitment to strengthening higher education infrastructure across the state.
The newly inaugurated projects include the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences Complex—named in honour of the governor—the Faculty of Environmental Sciences building, Faculty of Engineering lecture halls and workshops, a 500-seat central auditorium, and a fully equipped central library.
Speaking during the ceremony, Oborevwori described the commissioning as a “harvest of projects,” noting that while his administration is widely known for road and bridge construction, equal attention is being given to education and healthcare. He stressed that investment in educational infrastructure remains central to human capital development and long-term socio-economic growth.
The governor urged students to safeguard the facilities and use them responsibly, emphasizing discipline, innovation, and integrity as essential values for academic success. He added that the facilities were designed to equip students with practical skills and entrepreneurial capacity in a knowledge-driven global economy.
Oborevwori also reflected on his role in the establishment of UNIDEL and two other state universities during his tenure as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. According to him, the expansion of the state’s university system was necessitated by limited admission quotas approved by the National Universities Commission for Delta State University, which left thousands of qualified candidates without placement annually.
Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who spoke at the event, commended the governor for sustaining the vision behind the creation of the universities. He noted that UNIDEL now caters to about 15,000 students, providing opportunities that contribute to youth engagement and social stability.
Commissioner for Higher Education, Nyerhovwo Tonukari, disclosed that the Management and Social Sciences Complex includes lecture rooms, offices, a student resource centre, media facilities, and a 250-seat auditorium. He added that the Environmental Sciences building houses two 250-seat auditoriums, studios, classrooms, and a faculty library, while the engineering complex features workshops for metalwork, carpentry, mechanics, welding, and foundry operations.
Vice-Chancellor Stella Chiemeke described the projects as transformative, noting that the new facilities will significantly enhance the university’s capacity to train professionals in critical sectors. She said the institution named the Management and Social Sciences Complex after the governor in recognition of his contributions to educational development.
Chairman of Ika North-East Local Government Council, Hon. Monday Odigwe, also praised the governor’s commitment to balanced development, stating that the projects reflect the practical implementation of the administration’s MORE Agenda across Delta State.
