Oborevwori Commissions Major Projects at UNIDEL
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Friday inaugurated a suite of landmark academic facilities at the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Owa-Alero Campus, in Ika North-East Local Government Area, underscoring his administration’s push to deepen access to quality higher education across the state.
The projects commissioned include the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences Complex named after the governor, the Faculty of Environmental Sciences building, the Faculty of Engineering Lecture Hall and Workshops, a 500-seat central auditorium and a fully equipped central library.
Speaking at the ceremony, Oborevwori described the event as a “harvest of projects” and a clear reflection of his administration’s commitment to world-class infrastructure in state-owned institutions.
While noting that his government has earned recognition for visible infrastructure such as roads, bridges and flyovers, the governor stressed that substantial investments have also been made in 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 meet global standards and to foster innovation, research, entrepreneurship and practical skills development,” he said.
He urged students to safeguard the facilities and channel their energies towards discipline, creativity and integrity, adding that the goal is to equip graduates not only to seek jobs but to create them in a knowledge-driven economy.
The governor recalled his role as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly in the establishment of the University of Delta and two other state universities, explaining that the move was necessitated by limited admission quotas approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) for Delta State University, Abraka.
“At a time, over 25,000 students qualified for admission, but only about 5,000 slots were available. We had to act. Today, the vision has proven worthwhile,” he stated.
Former Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, commended Oborevwori for sustaining and consolidating the educational vision initiated during his administration. He noted that UNIDEL now has about 15,000 students, describing the institution as a stabilising force that has created opportunities for thousands of young people.
“Imagine if these young people were on the streets without access to higher education. The peace we enjoy today is partly because we created opportunities for our youths,” Okowa said.
Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, provided details of the projects, stating that the Management and Social Sciences Complex includes a 250-seat auditorium, lecture halls, offices, a student resource centre and media facilities, completed in 2025.
He added that the Faculty of Environmental Sciences building features two 250-seat auditoriums, four 80-capacity classrooms, studios, staff offices, a faculty library and a 150-capacity seminar room. The engineering complex houses workshops for metalwork, carpentry, mechanics, foundry and welding, alongside a 200-capacity engineering studio. The central library seats 426 students, while the main auditorium accommodates 500.
Vice-Chancellor of UNIDEL, Prof. Stella Chiemeke, described the projects as a demonstration of the governor’s transformational leadership, saying the new facilities would significantly boost the university’s capacity to train professionals in critical sectors.
“You are not just constructing buildings; you are constructing the future of Delta State,” she said.
Chairman of Ika North-East Local Government Council, Hon. Monday Odigwe, also lauded the governor for what he described as balanced development across the state, noting that the projects align with the administration’s MORE Agenda.
The commissioning marks a major milestone in Delta State’s higher education expansion drive, positioning UNIDEL as a growing hub for professional training, innovation and research.
