Oborevwori Inaugurates Governing Councils of Three Delta State Universities, Tasks Members on Integrity and Innovation

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Tuesday, September 22, inaugurated the Governing Councils of three state-owned universities at a ceremony held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.

The event was preceded by the swearing-in of the new Auditor-General of the state, Mr. Emasogbe Matthew Oghene.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori described the appointment of the council members as well-deserved, expressing confidence in their capacity to initiate policies and formulate strategies that will advance the universities.

The universities are the University of Delta, Agbor; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; and Southern Delta University, Ozoro.

The Governor charged the councils to hold meetings as statutorily scheduled and ensure that the universities operate in accordance with existing laws and their establishing mandates.

He warned against vices such as sexual harassment, examination malpractice, partiality and cultism, stressing that where extant laws or rules are breached, the councils must not hesitate to apply necessary disciplinary measures.

He urged them to uphold equity, fairness and justice in matters of staff discipline and resist nepotism and parochial sentiments, noting that such would inspire trust and confidence within and outside the university system.

Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Delta State universities at the cutting edge of tertiary education, disclosing that the state government has approved the construction of two hostels each for nine tertiary institutions in the state, with each hostel having a capacity of 480 students.

On financial sustainability, the Governor challenged the new councils to work towards financial independence, stating that it was unrealistic for the universities to depend solely on government for funding.

In his response on behalf of other council members, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Professor Patrick Muoboghare, thanked the Governor for the opportunity to serve. He advocated for a vibrant and mutually beneficial tertiary education funding model involving the private sector and wealthy individuals.

The newly inaugurated members are:

University of Delta, Agbor: Prof. Victor Peretomode, Pro-Chancellor/Chairman; Rear Admiral Peter I. Eluma, Prof. Ebele Egwunyega, Dr. Roland Oritsejafor, Mrs. Joy Enwa, Prof. Ben Oghojafor and Prof. Patrick Oromareghake.

Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba: Prof. Patrick Muoboghare, Pro-Chancellor/Chairman; Dr. Christopher Onyemenam, Chief Elmina V. Namah, Prof. Jacob Oboreh, Dr. Josephine Konyeme, Dr. Philomena Imonivewerha and Prof. Rowell Ubogu.

Southern Delta University, Ozoro: Chief Godson Echegile, Pro-Chancellor/Chairman; Prof. Benedict Binebai, Surv. Mrs. Felicia Omatsola, Prof. Stella Chiemeke, Dr. Tosan Luck Popo, Prof. William Ehwarieme and Prof. Regina Arisi.