Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has inaugurated major academic infrastructure projects at the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Owa-Alero Campus, in Ika North-East Local Government Area, reinforcing his administration’s strong commitment to expanding access to quality higher education across the state.
The newly commissioned facilities include the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences Complex, named in honour of the governor; the Faculty of Environmental Sciences building; the Faculty of Engineering Lecture Hall and Workshops; a 500-capacity central auditorium; and a modern, fully equipped central library.
Describing the event as a “harvest of projects,” Governor Oborevwori said the inauguration reflects his administration’s determination to provide world-class learning facilities capable of competing with global standards.
He emphasized that while his administration has gained recognition for visible infrastructural projects such as flyovers, bridges, and road construction, significant investments have also been channeled into critical sectors like education and healthcare.
“Education remains the most powerful tool for transformation. When we invest in infrastructure, we invest in people. These facilities are designed to promote innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and practical skills development,” the governor stated.
He urged students to make responsible use of the facilities and protect them from vandalism, stressing that discipline, creativity, and integrity are essential for academic and personal success.
“These facilities belong to you. Protect them and utilize them effectively. Our aim is not just to prepare you to seek employment but to empower you to create jobs in a rapidly evolving, knowledge-driven global economy,” he added.
Governor Oborevwori recalled his pivotal role in the establishment of the University of Delta and two other state universities during his tenure as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. According to him, the decision to create additional universities was necessitated by the limited admission quota granted by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to Delta State University, Abraka.
“At a time, over 25,000 students qualified for university admission annually, but only about 5,000 admission slots were approved. We could not fold our arms while thousands of qualified students were left without opportunities. Today, the vision has proven worthwhile,” he noted.
He also commended the immediate past administration for initiating the university project and expressed appreciation to the NUC and key stakeholders who facilitated the simultaneous approval of the three state universities — a development he described as historic.
Governor Oborevwori expressed gratitude to the university management for naming the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences Complex after him, describing the honour as humbling and encouraging.
Former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, praised Oborevwori’s leadership style and commitment to continuity in strengthening the state’s higher education system. He highlighted that the governor played a crucial role in the legislative processes that established the three universities and has continued to build upon that foundation.
“Today, UNIDEL alone has about 15,000 students. Imagine if these young people were roaming the streets without access to higher education. The peace and stability we enjoy today are partly due to the opportunities created for our youths,” Okowa remarked.
Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, provided further details about the projects. He explained that the Sheriff Oborevwori Complex, which houses the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, features a 250-seat auditorium, lecture halls, staff offices, a student resource centre, and media facilities. The complex was completed in 2025.
He added that the Faculty of Environmental Sciences building, awarded in August 2021 and completed under the current administration, includes two 250-seat auditoriums, four 80-capacity classrooms, specialized studios, staff offices, a faculty library, and a 150-capacity seminar room.
According to him, the Engineering Complex boasts fully equipped workshops for metalwork, carpentry, mechanics, foundry, and welding, alongside a 200-capacity engineering studio. The central library has a seating capacity of 426 students, while the main auditorium accommodates 500.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delta, Prof. Stella Chiemeke, described the newly commissioned facilities as evidence of the governor’s transformational agenda and people-oriented leadership. She noted that the additional infrastructure would significantly enhance the university’s capacity to train professionals in engineering, environmental sciences, and management disciplines — sectors critical to Delta State’s socio-economic growth.
“Your support has translated into more classrooms, more laboratories, more workshops, and more opportunities for our youths. You are not just constructing buildings; you are shaping the future of Delta State,” she stated.
Chiemeke disclosed that the decision to name the Management and Social Sciences Complex after Governor Oborevwori was in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the institution and the advancement of higher education in the state.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of Ika North-East Local Government Council, Hon. Monday Odigwe, commended the governor’s dedication to inclusive and balanced development, noting that the projects reflect the practical implementation of the administration’s MORE Agenda across Delta State.
The ceremony attracted government officials, traditional rulers, academic staff, students, and other stakeholders who described the projects as a significant milestone in the development of tertiary education in Delta State.
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