The four universities in Delta State have collectively graduated 8,362 students in the 2025 graduation cycle, just as only Delta State University, Abraka produced 5,109 graduates.
Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, disclosed this yesterday at the 18th Convocation Ceremony of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, calling on graduates to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship.
Represented by his deputy, Monday Onyeme, he said, "The realities of today's world compel us to rethink the purpose of university education; in the 2025 graduation cycle, Delta State University, Abraka produced 5,109 graduates, while the four universities in our state collectively graduated 8,362 students.
"These figures highlight a growing challenge: the traditional expectation of automatic employment is no longer realistic: the modern economy rewards innovation, creativity, and adaptability."
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"Our institutions must continue to reform their curricula to reflect contemporary realities, with greater emphasis on entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and problem-solving skills; our graduates must be equipped not just to seek jobs, but to create them.
He noted that the modern economy now rewards creativity over the traditional expectation of automatic employment.
The governor emphasised that while convocation marks the culmination of years of hard work, it also serves as a gateway to a competitive global landscape.
"Education remains the bedrock of sustainable development and societal transformation; it empowers individuals, strengthens institutions, and drives economic growth. As a government, we recognize the strategic importance of this sector, which is why we have remained committed to supporting our tertiary institutions through the prompt payment of staff salaries, regular release of subventions, and steady investment in infrastructure.
"However, the increasing demand for infrastructural development and academic expansion in our universities requires a collective response.
In an address, the vice chancellor of DELSU, Prof Samuel Asagba, revealed that 107 graduands bagged first class and thanked Governor Oborevwori "for his unwavering goodwill and exceptional to our institution.
"This commitment is clearly demonstrated by the award of the contract for the completion of the long-abandoned Senate building, the consistent and timely payment of staff salaries, and the recent implementation of new medical allowances for our lecturers at DELSUTH, Oghara who are medical doctors along with the settlement of their arrears.
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"These landmark interventions, amounting to several billions of naira, are unprecedented in the history of our University, for this, we remain immensely grateful."
The graduands included 5,109 for First Degree Programme, 904 for Diploma Programme, 159 for Affiliation Programme while 181 persons bagged Doctor of Philosophy Degrees, 477 Degrees in Masters, 08 Master of Philosophy and 205 Postgraduate Diploma.
