By Igbotako Nowinta
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delta, Agbor (UNIDEL), Prof. Stella Chiemeke, has declared that the institution is firmly positioned within a dynamic network of reputable international universities, underscoring its rising global profile just four years after its establishment.
Prof. Chiemeke made the assertion on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the University Mini Stadium during UNIDEL’s maiden convocation ceremony — a landmark event that drew Governor of Delta State and Visitor to the University, Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside eminent dignitaries, academics, parents and graduating students.
Global Footprint in Four Years
In her address, the Vice-Chancellor described UNIDEL as an institution operating within a “broad intellectual horizon,” deliberately cultivating cross-border academic engagements to deepen scholarship, research and innovation.
“This vibrant network of engagement is strengthening UNIDEL’s academic architecture, elevating our research visibility and enriching staff and student experiences,” she said.
She disclosed that the university has established strategic linkages with globally respected institutions, including North-West University; Carleton University; First Nations University of Canada; Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College; Hangzhou International Innovation Institute of Beihang University; University of Lincoln; and John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin.
According to her, the partnerships reflect not only UNIDEL’s appetite for excellence but also the confidence the global academic community reposes in the young institution as a credible and promising collaborator.
A Historic First Convocation
The ceremony marked a defining milestone for UNIDEL, which graduated its pioneer set of students — 1,606 in total — drawn from seven faculties across the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions. Of the number, 30 students earned First-Class honours.
Among them was the overall best graduating student, Victoria Uzoma of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Department of Business Administration, who achieved an outstanding Grade Point Average of 4.97.
In an emotional reflection, she attributed her academic feat to divine grace and resilience.
Prof. Chiemeke announced that all graduating students received their certificates and transcripts on convocation day — a move widely applauded as a demonstration of administrative efficiency and student-focused governance.
She further highlighted key milestones under her leadership, including full accreditation of all academic programmes by the National Universities Commission, strengthened campus security, improved infrastructure, expanded global collaborations and growing international visibility.
In a significant intervention to ease financial burdens, she revealed that about 4,000 indigent students benefitted from loans under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund in the current academic session.
Governor Announces Far-Reaching Incentives
Describing the convocation as a watershed moment, Governor Oborevwori said the event symbolised more than the award of degrees — it represented the triumph of vision, courage and purposeful leadership.
“Today’s event celebrates a young institution that has moved decisively from conception to consolidation,” he stated, noting that Delta State now hosts well over 100,000 students across its tertiary institutions, stimulating job creation, commerce and service delivery.
In a bold show of support for academic excellence, the Governor announced a ₦5 million cash award for the Best Graduating Student and ₦500,000 for each First-Class graduate, payable immediately.
He also donated a Coaster bus to the university.
Crucially, he approved the conversion of the Mother and Child Hospital, General Hospital, Agbor, and the Diagnostic Centre, Owa-Alero, into a University Teaching Hospital — a move expected to fast-track full accreditation of UNIDEL’s medical programmes. He further pledged support for additional hostel development.
The Governor said the interventions align with his administration’s MORE Agenda, which prioritises education and human capital development as engines of economic growth.
He paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, whose foresight led to the establishment of the university in 2021, and commended the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council, Senate, management and staff for nurturing the institution into a fast-rising citadel of learning.
Earlier in the ceremony, Oborevwori was formally decorated as Visitor to the University in line with the enabling law establishing the institution. He was also honoured with a university award of recognition alongside 17 other eminent Nigerians.
Charge to Pioneer Graduates
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Emmanuel Nwanze, congratulated the graduating students, describing them as innovators and change-makers whose perseverance had borne fruit.
“You have earned both academic degrees and entrepreneurship skills,” he said. “As you step into the world, may your achievements inspire others and drive positive change in our nation and beyond. The future belongs to you.”
Governor Oborevwori echoed the sentiment, urging the pioneer graduands to be bold, innovative and resilient, reminding them that they occupy a unique place in the institution’s history and must serve as worthy ambassadors.
Speaking on behalf of other honourees, Senator Okowa expressed appreciation to the university’s leadership for the recognition and lauded the visible progress recorded within a short period.
He described Oborevwori as a key pillar in the vision that birthed three state-owned universities in 2021, noting that sustained policy support has strengthened the institutions and widened access to higher education.
From Conception to Consolidation
Saturday’s ceremony was more than a celebration of academic success; it was a statement of institutional intent. In four years, UNIDEL has moved from blueprint to bold reality — graduating its first cohort, securing full programme accreditation, building international partnerships and attracting strong government backing.
With its expanding global collaborations and growing local impact, the University of Delta, Agbor, appears determined to anchor its future on excellence, innovation and purposeful leadership — charting a trajectory that positions it as one of Nigeria’s emerging centres of academic distinction.
