Western Delta University, Oghara, marked an important milestone at its 15th Convocation ceremony, celebrating over 190 graduates and recognising 12 outstanding students with various academic prizes and awards.
The ceremony, held on Saturday, November 14, featured the recognition of three first-class graduates from different colleges across the university, as approved by the Chancellor, Senate, and Governing Council.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Augustine Ovuoronye Ikelegbe, also presented the university’s pioneer set of PhD graduates. He praised their dedication, noting that each candidate successfully completed rigorous examinations and seminar proposal defences. He expressed pride in their accomplishments and encouraged them to carry their achievements forward.
Prof. Ikelegbe commended the university’s Visitor and former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, for his continuous investment in infrastructure development and digital transformation. He highlighted the affordability of the institution’s fees and urged stakeholders to support its growth. He encouraged the graduating students to “stand tall and excel” as they step into new phases of life.
The convocation also honoured two notable figures. Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (Rtd.), received the Honorary Doctor of Strategic Studies (Honoris Causa), while 2023 SDP Presidential Candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, received the Honorary Doctor of Political Science (Honoris Causa).
Chief Ibori expressed gratitude to General Dambazau for saving his life in 2008. He added that the university has equipped its graduates with the tools they need to thrive, noting his confidence in their future impact. He reminded them that education is ultimately for development and that WDU’s mission is to add value and shape individuals for excellence and integrity.
The convocation lecture, delivered by Prof. Kyari Mohammed, examined the rising insecurity affecting Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. He described the situation as alarming, especially in the North, pointing out that Boko Haram’s attacks have killed over one hundred thousand people and displaced 2.5 million more.
Prof. Mohammed outlined the root causes of insecurity, citing politics, poverty, injustice, bad governance, and lack of political will. He recommended stronger governance, security sector reforms, and a more assertive approach against bandits before any negotiations.
Several developments were also commissioned during the event, including the newly completed Central Laboratory block donated by the Dr. Igho Oghenegaren Foundation, new staff quarters, and the groundbreaking of the Macaulay and Margaret Omugbe Block for the College of Postgraduate Studies, led by donor Prince Adewole Adebayo.
The Chancellor, His Excellency Donald Duke, alongside the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Pro Chancellor Prof. Emmanuel Eghosa Osaghae, and other dignitaries including former Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Lalong, the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom A.K. Osawota, and the Ovie of Orogun Kingdom Chief Judith Enamuotor, congratulated the graduates and commended the university for its continued commitment to excellence.
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