Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has called for the review of academic curriculum to reflect contemporary realities.

Oborevwori made the call on Saturday at the 18th convocation ceremony of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.

It will be recalled that a total of 7, 043 graduands of the 2024/2025 academic calendar participated in the convocation.

The figures comprised: Regular, Diploma, Affiliate as well as Higher Degrees and Postgraduate Degrees programmes of the institution.

A total of 10’ students bagged First Class Honours in the Regular, 24 students had Distinctions in the Diploma category, while one student had First Class Honours in the Affiliate programmes.

The governor who was represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, emphasised that institutions must prioritise entrepreneurship, digital literacy and problem solving skills.

He said that the future of education must be aligned with 21st-century realities, hence the need for vocational skills development inclusion in the curriculum.

“The world you are entering is highly competitive, but it is also rich with opportunities for those prepared to innovate and adapt.

“Our graduates must be equipped, not just to seek jobs, but to create them,” he said.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the development of higher education through sustained funding, prompt payment of staff salaries and expansion of academic infrastructure.

Oborevwori called for stronger collaboration between government, private sector and other stakeholders to sustain quality education.

Advising the graduands, the governor said that the convocation marked the culmination of their years of discipline, learning and character development.

He described the graduands as a reflection of the university’s commitment to academic excellence and societal transformation.

Earlier in his address of welcome, Prof Samuel Asagba, the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, highlighted the university’s growing reputation in the country.

A recent education ranking placed DELSU as the best state university in Nigeria, best university in the South South and South East geo-political zones and 12th overall in the country.

He said that the feat had put DELSU on an irresistible pedestal in the nation’s universities space.

The vice chancellor described the convocation as a critical academic milestone that not only celebrates graduating students but also provides opportunities for institutional reflection, policy review and strategic planning.

Asagba stressed the importance of aligning university education with industry needs.

“There is a need for classroom-to-industry approach to bridge the gap between academic training and real-world application.

“Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced automation are reshaping the global workforce, making it imperative for universities to upgrade laboratories, equipment and teaching methods to meet modern demands.

“It is only through our tertiary institutions that these new technologies can be effectively taught and domesticated.

“Therefore, we must act now to ensure our graduates remain competitive globally,” Asagba said.

Highlighting the breakdown of the graduands, Asagba said that a total of 5,109 students graduated in the First Degree category.

He added that 904 students graduated in the Diploma programmes, while 159 students graduated in the Affiliate programmes of the university.

The vice chancellor also said that a combined total of 871 students graduated from the Higher Degrees and Postgraduate Degrees.

Asagba assured stakeholders that the university, in line with its vision and mission, would continue to provide quality education that remained relevant, enduring and impactful across generations.

He advised the graduands to be good ambassadors of the university.

In his remark, the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of DELSU, Gen. Alexander Ogomudia (rtd) said that the stability enjoyed by the university was a product of strong collaboration between the government and the university’s management.

He called for Increased investment in tertiary education, citing inadequate infrastructure, staffing gaps and the need for modern research facilities as some of the immediate challenges confronting the university.

“I call on the State Government and other well-meaning Deltans and Nigerians to invest in university education as it is the parapet from whichh all knowledge cascades to the lowest level.

“It is at the tertiary level that great scientific breakthroughs are made and later disseminated to the grassroot.

“The world is evolving technologically. The AI is currently being expanded and exploited to unbelievable levels.

“It is only important that we act now to enable our graduates to be on the same page with modern technological advancement,” Ogomudia said.

Highlights of the event was the conferment of honorary Doctorate Degrees on three distinguished Nigerians who have contributed meaningfully to societal growth.

The beneficiaries were: HRM Enyi Odini, Dr Muhammadu Indimi and Mrs Grace Aghoghovbia.

The university also conferred the prestigious rank of Professor Emeritus on Prof. Patrick Igbigbi for his academic excellence and long- standing service within the university community.

•PHOTO: A cross section of the graduands at the 28th Convocation Ceremony of Delta State University, Abraka in Delta State.

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