DOU Maiden Convocation: Institution Records 25 First Class Graduates, Says VC Oghojafor ~ Truth Reporters

By Andy Emephia

A total of 416 candidates drawn from 28 programmes across the Faculties of Agriculture, Arts, Behavioural Sciences, Computing, Environmental Sciences, Management Sciences and Sciences will participate in the maiden convocation of Dennis Osadebay University (DOU), Asaba, scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Out of the graduating students, 25 bagged First Class Honours, 167 earned Second Class Honours (Upper Division), 185 obtained Second Class Honours (Lower Division), while 39 graduated with Third Class degrees.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Ben Oghojafor, disclosed this during a pre-convocation press briefing held at the University’s Main Auditorium Complex.

He revealed that from an initial enrolment of 651 students when the university commenced academic activities on February 12, 2021, the student population has grown significantly. 

According to him, enrolment increased to 1,589 students in the 2022/2023 session, 2,994 in 2023/2024, rose sharply to 4,408 in 2024/2025, and currently stands at 5,835 in the 2025/2026 session. This brings the cumulative student enrolment since inception to 15,472.

Prof. Oghojafor attributed the successes recorded under his leadership as pioneer Vice Chancellor despite inheriting what he described as “near zero facilities and only a handful of staff” to diligence, hard work, vision, mission-centeredness, and the grace of God.

He emphasized that the university management has been intentional about producing graduates who are worthy in learning and character, globally competitive yet locally relevant.

“We have progressed from an initial 46 programmes of study to 86 programmes currently. All our programmes have full accreditation, except 35 that are awaiting decisions, as their accreditation exercises were conducted late in 2025,” he stated.

On infrastructure, the Vice Chancellor noted that the institution has undergone a major transformation from what he described as an archaic environment with inadequate and dilapidated structures to properly fitted facilities befitting a university of repute.

“Today, as we graduate our first set of bona fide students, we have in place properly fitted physical structures. These include the Administrative Building and faculty blocks for Agriculture, Arts, Behavioural Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Management Sciences. New student halls of residence have also been constructed, with accommodation capacity now at about 2,000 students.

“The library, which is the engine room of academics and research, has not only been established but upgraded into one of the most modern digital libraries,” he added.

Prof. Oghojafor further disclosed that the university has introduced premium programmes, particularly in Allied Medical Sciences and Computing, enabling students to undertake advanced studies in digital, cyber sciences and engineering. He highlighted Nursing Sciences and Optometry as among the highly sought-after courses now available.

He also noted that systems promoting professionalism have been strengthened through memoranda of understanding with several professional and certification bodies.

Citing an example, he said the overall best graduating student, Mike Ogisi Regina Chukwufunnanya, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.95, had passed all relevant professional examinations and qualified as a chartered accountant while still an undergraduate at the university.

The Vice Chancellor expressed appreciation to the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for the opportunity to lead the institution over the past five years. He also commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for sustaining the continued development and facelift of the university in line with his MORE Agenda.

Present at the pre-convocation press conference were the Registrar, Mrs. Genevieve Isioma Obadan; the University Librarian, Dr. Nelson Edewor; the Bursar, Mr. Okolo Emmanuel Okolo; and the Chairman of Senate and Ceremonials Committee, Prof. Chimdi Maduagwu.

The Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. R.B. Ikomi, led other council members — Prof. Sam Ogege, Dr. Chris Onyemenam, Prof. Arnold Ojugo, Dr. O. Ovarhe, Ms. Awani and Mrs. B.O. Orovwuje — to witness the briefing.