SDU to Become a Pacesetting 21st-Century University — New VC, Prof. Awhefeada ~ Truth Reporters

By Andy Emephia

The new Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University (SDU), Ozoro, in Isoko North Local Government Area, Professor Sunny Awhefeada, has pledged to transform the institution into “a model and pacesetting 21st-century university.”

Professor Awhefeada, who is the second Vice-Chancellor of the university, also assured that he would build on the solid foundation laid by the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jacob Oboreh. 

He commended Oboreh for steering the institution’s growth in academics, infrastructure, and industrial harmony.

The assurance was given during the formal handover ceremony held at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Hall of the university on Monday, May 4, 2026.

Expressing confidence in his leadership capacity, Awhefeada stated: “Take it to the bank—you can verify. We achieved similar feats when I served as Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Delta State University, Abraka. We also did so during my two-year tenure as Dean of Postgraduate Studies at the same institution, and we are going to replicate that success at Southern Delta University, Ozoro.”

The new Vice-Chancellor also commended former Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for his foresight in establishing three state universities simultaneously, describing him as “a man who saw tomorrow.”

He paid glowing tribute to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for converting the university from a science and technology-based institution into a conventional university, a move he said made it possible for him, as a Professor of Humanities, to apply for the Vice-Chancellor position.

In an emotional remark, Awhefeada said: “Many may not know that but for that singular decision by Governor Oborevwori, I would not have been eligible to apply, being a Professor of Humanities. By transforming the Delta State University of Science and Technology into a more holistic and conventional university, with a campus at Orerokpe, I became qualified to apply.”

In his valedictory remarks, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jacob Snapps Oboreh, traced the institution’s evolution from the defunct Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, noting that the university has witnessed significant growth over the years.

He also commended Governor Oborevwori for initiating key legacy projects, including the establishment of the School of Medical Sciences and the approval of a new campus at Orerokpe in Okpe Local Government Area, where academic activities have already commenced for the 2025/2026 academic session in disciplines such as Management Sciences and Arts.

Oboreh, however, urged his successor to prioritise the construction of additional student hostels, provision of staff residential facilities on campus, and procurement of essential medical equipment for the Faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, Engineering, and Environmental Sciences to enhance teaching and research.

The highlight of the event was the formal presentation of the handover notes by Professor Oboreh to Professor Awhefeada.

The ceremony was attended by top management staff of SDU, members of the Delta State University (DELSU) academic community led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Douglas Omotor, heads of other tertiary institutions in the state, traditional chiefs from Orogun, as well as family members and well-wishers of the new Vice-Chancellor.