Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Saturday promised to establish a Faculty of Law at Dennis Osadebay University (DOU), Asaba, in honour of the institution’s namesake, the late nationalist and former Premier of the Midwest Region, Dennis Osadebay.
The governor made the pledge at the university’s maiden convocation ceremony in Asaba while responding to requests presented by the Vice Chancellor, Ben Emukufia Akpoyomare Oghojafor.
“You talked about the Faculty of Law; we will also handle it,” Oborevwori said, adding that his administration would also support other projects requested by the university, including a sports centre.
“You talked about your sports centre; we will handle it,” he assured.
The governor also rewarded outstanding graduating students with cash prizes, announcing N5 million for the overall best graduating student and N1 million each for 24 students who emerged best in their departments.
“For making us proud, the overall best graduating student will receive five million naira cash,” he declared.
Earlier in his convocation address, the Vice Chancellor, Ben Emukufia Akpoyomare Oghojafor, said the ceremony marked a historic milestone for the university established in 2021 by the administration of former governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.
“What started as a bold dream has grown into a vibrant academic community committed to learning, innovation and service,” he said.
He disclosed that 416 pioneer students graduated across 28 programmes, noting that the university had admitted over 14,800 students since inception, reflecting rapid growth within five years.
The Vice Chancellor also highlighted infrastructural developments on campus, including new faculty buildings, renovated halls, solar-powered facilities and CCTV installations to improve security.
He, however, appealed for additional support in key areas such as the establishment of a Faculty of Law, a sports centre, improved classrooms and expansion of accommodation for students.
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The overall best graduating student, Regina Chukwufunanya Mike-Ogisi of the Department of Accounting, graduated with a CGPA of 4.93 and had already qualified as a chartered accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria before the convocation.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Robert Bemigho Ikomi, described the event as a historic moment for the young institution.
“Today marks a defining chapter in the history of Dennis Osadebay University,” he said, adding that the ceremony demonstrated how “vision, leadership and collective commitment can transform aspiration into achievement.”
Founded in 2021, Dennis Osadebay University is one of three state-owned universities established alongside University of Delta, Agbor and Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro to expand access to higher education in the state.
