By Matthew Macaulay
In a resounding call to action that underscores the urgent need for innovation in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has advocated for increased private sector collaboration to tackle the infrastructural challenges confronting state-owned universities. The governor made this impassioned appeal on Saturday during the 17th Convocation Ceremony of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.
The event, which marked a milestone in the academic life of thousands of graduating students, became more than a celebration of scholarly achievement—it served as a platform for strategic dialogue on the future of education in the state.
Like many public universities in Nigeria, DELSU faces persistent challenges: inadequate classrooms, obsolete laboratory equipment, insufficient accommodation, power shortages, and limited internet access. These systemic issues have long hindered the university’s ability to deliver competitive and world-class education.
Acknowledging these challenges in his address, Governor Oborevwori did not shy away from stating the facts. He painted a realistic picture of the growing infrastructural demands facing tertiary institutions and emphasized that the government alone cannot meet these needs.
“With the increasing need for infrastructure in our universities, stakeholders must collaborate with the government to address these challenges,” he said. “An effective Public-Private Partnership (PPP) will help us deliver the university of our dreams.”
The governor’s remarks come at a critical juncture when tertiary institutions across the nation are under pressure to elevate their academic standards, upgrade learning environments, and boost research capacity in order to meet global benchmarks.
While Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving education through state funding, he was clear that the scope and urgency of the challenges required a new approach—one driven by collaboration, innovation, and sustainable investment models.
The governor emphasized that: “The government cannot do it alone. We are fully committed to doing our part, but partnerships with the private sector are essential if we want to achieve sustainable transformation”.
He pointed to the role of PPPs as a game-changing model capable of accelerating infrastructure development, promoting innovation, and ensuring continuity, even in the face of fluctuating government revenues.
Read Also: Day Hallmarks of Labour Foundation recognised eminent Nigerians
From building state-of-the-art lecture theatres and modern laboratories to providing student housing and solar-powered facilities, Oborevwori envisioned a future where the private sector becomes an active partner in reshaping the educational landscape of Delta State.
In addition to infrastructure, the governor reiterated his administration’s broader educational objectives, including increasing funding for research, enhancing teaching standards, promoting innovation, and aligning curriculum with global labor market needs.
“Our administration is fully committed to creating an enabling environment for learning and innovation,” he stated. “We will continue to support the university authority in their mission to elevate student learning and academic excellence.”
The governor praised the leadership of DELSU for their vision and resilience in managing the institution despite the resource constraints. He gave special recognition to the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga, and his successor, Prof. Samuel Asagba, for their efforts to reposition the institution in recent years.
In his speech, Oborevwori also commended the university’s governing council, led by retired General Alexander Ogomudia, for its strategic oversight and unwavering dedication to institutional growth. According to the governor, their leadership is central to the state’s drive to make DELSU a center of excellence.
General Ogomudia, in his address, offered a sobering glimpse into the university’s current state. He listed several critical issues, including inadequate staffing, aging infrastructure, outdated laboratory tools, and unreliable power and water supply systems—issues that not only affect academic performance but also threaten the university’s national and international ranking.
“Our laboratories are in dire need of modern equipment, and persistent power issues make effective teaching and research nearly impossible,” Ogomudia said. “These gaps limit the capacity of students and faculty to innovate and thrive.”
Globally, PPPs have proven successful in bridging educational infrastructure deficits. From the United States to South Africa and India, governments are increasingly turning to private investors and organizations to co-develop and co-manage educational infrastructure, research parks, and student services.
For Delta State University, this model could translate into new academic buildings, smart classrooms, innovation hubs, campus-wide internet access, medical research facilities, and alternative power solutions—all backed by private capital and technical expertise.
In return, private investors benefit through structured revenue models such as leasing agreements, service-level contracts, and branding partnerships, creating a win-win situation for both parties.
As expected, Governor Oborevwori’s proposal was met with enthusiastic responses from stakeholders at the convocation. Academics, alumni, students, and representatives from the private sector expressed optimism that the strategy, if well implemented, could usher in a new era for public tertiary education in Delta State.
Prof. Nkem Ede, a faculty member at the College of Health Sciences, described the governor’s call as “visionary and timely.”
“This university has enormous potential. But without investment in facilities and research, we cannot meet global standards. PPP is the future,” she said.
Mr. Franklin Ideh, an alumnus and executive in the oil and gas sector, echoed the sentiment, noting that a transparent and well-regulated partnership framework could attract serious investors.
“The private sector is ready. What we need is a clear roadmap, policy clarity, and accountability mechanisms,” he said.
Beyond the ceremony and speeches, the governor’s message carries a deeper implication: for Delta State to truly harness the potential of its human capital, its educational institutions must evolve. That evolution cannot happen through government efforts alone. It requires all hands on deck—from private investors to alumni networks, philanthropic foundations, and even international development agencies.
The governor’s administration is now tasked with translating this bold vision into actionable frameworks. This would include drafting legislation for PPP models in education, establishing a dedicated unit for education-private sector engagement, and setting clear performance and delivery metrics for joint ventures.
As thousands of graduates left DELSU with their degrees and dreams in hand, the governor’s speech served as both inspiration and challenge. Building a world-class university system is not an overnight task—it requires sustained commitment, financial innovation, and strong leadership.
But as Governor Oborevwori made clear, the dream is within reach. “Let us work together to make DELSU a model of excellence, innovation, and pride for all Deltans,” he concluded.
If words are matched with action, and vision with investment, Delta State’s universities could soon rise as beacons of academic excellence, equipped not just to graduate students, but to empower the future of a state, and a nation.
•Macaulay, writes from Agbor, Delta State
