Oborevwori urges innovation as 107 bag first class in DELSU

…Says graduates should create jobs as automatic employment not realistic

Delta State University, Abraka produced a total of 107 First Class in her 2024/2025 graduation cycle and Sherrif Oborevwori, the state Governor and Visitor to the institution is calling on the graduates to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship.

The modern economy now rewards creativity over the traditional expectation of automatic employment, said the governor, at the 18th Convocation Ceremony of the University, held in Abraka, Saturday.

​Samuel Asagba, Professor and the Vice Chancellor of the institution, said that 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.

Represented by Monday Onyeme, his deputy, Oborevwori, emphasised that while convocation marks the culmination of years of hard work, it also serves as a gateway to a competitive global landscape.

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.

“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.

“Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of the 2024/2025 set of graduates who have successfully completed their undergraduate and postgraduate programmes; I warmly congratulate each and every one of you.

“Convocation is not merely a ceremony; it is both the culmination of years of discipline and hard work, and the gateway to new opportunities and responsibilities.

“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.

“I am proud to note that Delta State University has continued to uphold its mandate of teaching, research, and community service, earning its place as a reputable centre of academic excellence, he said.

The governor however noted that the increasing demand for infrastructural development and academic expansion in the universities requires a collective response. While government bears primary responsibility for funding public institutions, the task of sustaining excellence must be shared.