DSPT Holds 2nd Combined Convocation Ceremony, As Three Monarchs, Others Bag Awards

By Daniel Dafe

Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara (DSPT) in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, on Saturday held its second combined convocation ceremony.

The ceremony for ten sets of graduands, took place at the conference hall of the polytechnic.

The graduating sets comprised 53,432 National Diploma (ND) recipients and 19,108 Higher National Diploma (HND) recipients.

Among them were 244 HND distinction graduates and 196 ND distinction graduates, with others spread across upper and lower credit categories.

Speaking during the event, Rector of the institution, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, said “convocation is a solemn, significant and prestigious ceremony dating back to Europe’s first universities,” saying it signifies the rite of passage and honour for students who have just graduated.”

He continued: “It is a ritual to welcome successful graduates to the world of scholars and academically refined individuals.”

According to him, it is also an opportunity “for the Visitor to visit and interface with the polytechnic annually, offer advice, make productive and progressive announcements, commission projects and do other good things for the polytechnic.”

On his achievements after three years in office, he said his administration carried out several projects funded through Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). They include the completion of the Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori Administrative Building, named in honour of the Delta State governor and the ongoing construction of a 40-office School of Applied Science and Technology Complex.

A particularly notable achievement was the invention of a fuel-less generator in 2023 by a team of researchers and technologists in the polytechnic.

The innovation, which operates without fuel, solar, hydro, or biogas, has attracted global attention and set the institution ahead in the field of applied research and technology.

Prof. Ufuophu-Biri also revealed that the governing council has approved the establishment of a School of Environmental Studies, which will house departments such as architecture, building technology, and surveying.

Furthermore, he disclosed that in 2023, DESPO secured 100% five-year full accreditation for its 30 academic programmes and one institutional accreditation from NBTE.

Continuing, he said that after rigorous and painstaking resource verification in the last quota of 2024, NBTE granted the polytechnic permission to mount and run extra 23 academic programmes , bringing the total to 53. The new programmes include high-profile courses such as ND Civil Engineering, HND Mass Communication, HND Artificial Intelligence and HND Cyber Security and Data Protection.

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Speaking further, he appealed to Gov. Oborevwori to give approval for the institution to make the convocation ceremony an annual event.

The rector also appealed to the state government for the completion of the work-paused large lecture auditorium, the construction of which commended around 2003 and has remained uncompleted for about 22 years, just as he appealed to the governor to re-determine the contract and complete the work.

Prof. Ufuophu-Biri also lauded Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to education, describing Delta State as the “Boston area of Africa”, due to its concentration of institutions of higher learning.

He also advocated for polytechnic reforms to allow the award of Bachelor of Engineering degrees and for the Chief Lecturer rank to be changed to Associate Professor.

To the graduands, he urged them to remain loyal ambassadors of the polytechnic and to always bring back “good things” as they progress in life.

The rector urged the graduands to conquer and break into the world’s endless possibilities and limitless opportunities, but that they should always remember to bring back “good things” to the polytechnic.

Earlier in his address, Chairman of the Governing Council of the polytechnic, Andrew Orugbo said the convocation was the institution’s second and the first in the last 10 years.

While praising the state government for the support enjoyed over the years, he said the polytechnic is in dire need of staff to meet critical needs of new programmes and expansion of existing programmes to complement the effort of the hardworking rector.

On his part, Gov. Oborevwori  said the occasion was not only to celebrate the successful completion of the academic journies of students but their triumph, perseverance and unwavering commitments.

He said: “To our graduating students, I say congratulations, your journey has not been easy but your dedication has brought you to this proud moment. You have earned not only certificates but also the confidence to take on the future. Your achievements are a shallow reflection of the promise of Delta State education system.”

He noted that Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara serves as a beacon of excellence consistently producing graduates who drive innovation and contribute meaningfully to the development of our state and nation.

“As a government, we remain steadfast in our support for education We recognise that technical and vocational training is essential to the growth of any modern economy,” just as he said that his vision was to position Delta State as leader in human capital development particularly in the South South Region and beyond.

“To achieve this we are investing significantly across our tertiary institutions in this polytechnic alone, we are seeing transformative projects”

He hinted that his administrations focus is on technical and vocational education in keeping young people with relevant skills, fostering entrepreneurship and driving inclusive economic growth.

“To our graduates this is not the end but the beginning of a new chapter. Step into the world with confidence, integrity and creativity. You have been prepared to lead, to innovate and to solve problems. Be proud ambassador of this great institution and let your lights shine wherever you go,: he said.

Oborevwori also thanked the management and staff of the polytechnic for their contributions towards the growth of the institution.

Meanwhile, Okene Efemena emerged the Overall Best Graduating student for the 2014/2015 to 2023/2024 sets with a CGPA of 3.86.

Highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of the Fellowship of Technology of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara on six prominent Nigerians in recognition of their contributions to society and support for education.

The honorees are HRM Noble Oyibo Eshemtan, Orefe III, the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom; Olorogun John Oguma, Chief Executive Director of Obakpor Engineering Limited; HRM Obukohwo Monday Whiskey, Udurhie I, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom; Hon. Barr. John Obukohwo Nani, Chairman, DESOPADEC; HRM Matthew Ediri Egbi, Owahwa II, the Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom and Engr. Mike Orugbo.

The occasion was graced by traditional rulers, government functionaries, institutional stakeholders, staff unions, students, parents, and members of the host community.