Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Friday inaugurated major academic infrastructure at the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Owa-Alero Campus, in Ika North-East Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to expanding access to quality 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, Governor Oborevwori described the occasion as a “harvest of projects” and a clear demonstration of his administration’s resolve to provide world-class learning facilities in Delta State institutions.
He noted that although his administration has been widely acknowledged for visible infrastructure such as flyovers, bridges, and roads, substantial investments have also been made in the education and health sectors.
“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,” the governor said.
Oborevwori urged students to make optimal use of the facilities and guard against vandalism, stressing that discipline, creativity, and integrity must guide their academic pursuits.
“These facilities are for you. Protect them and use them responsibly. Our goal is to prepare you not just to seek jobs but to create them in a rapidly evolving, knowledge-driven world,” he added.
The governor recalled his involvement in the establishment of UNIDEL and two other state universities during his tenure as Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
He explained that the decision to create additional universities was driven by the limited admission quota approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) for Delta State University, which left thousands of qualified students without placement annually.
“At a time, over 25,000 students were qualified for university admission, but only about 5,000 slots were approved. We had to act. Today, we can see that the vision is worthwhile,” he stated.
He commended the immediate past administration for initiating the university and appreciated the NUC and key officials who facilitated approval for the three universities established on the same day, describing the feat as historic.
Governor Oborevwori also expressed gratitude to the university management for naming the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences Complex after him, describing the gesture as humbling.
Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, disclosed that the Sheriff Oborevwori Complex housing the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, completed in 2025, features a 250-seat auditorium, lecture rooms, offices, a student resource centre, and media facilities.
He added that the Faculty of Environmental Sciences building, awarded in August 2021 and completed under the present administration, comprises two 250-seat auditoriums, four 80-capacity classrooms, studios, staff offices, a faculty library, and a 150-capacity seminar room.
According to him, the engineering complex includes fully equipped 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 testament to the governor’s transformational and people-focused leadership.
“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 constructing the future of Delta State,” she said.
Chairman of Ika North-East Local Government Council, Hon. Monday Odigwe, also commended the governor for his commitment to balanced development, noting that the projects reflect the practical implementation of the MORE Agenda across Delta State.
