BY IFEANYI UWAGWU
THE Delta State Government (DTSG) has pledged to harness the potential of the tertiary education sector to foster entrepreneurship and innovation.
This commitment was made by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori during the 14th convocation ceremony of Western Delta University (WDU), weekend.
Governor Oborevwori , who was represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, highlighted the role of education as a cornerstone for societal growth and economic stability.
He emphasized that a strong higher education system was essential for nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation in the face of rapid global economic changes, while he assured stakeholders of his administration’s commitment to elevating its tertiary institutions to national and international prominence and affirmed that the state would continue to support the growth and expansion of Western Delta University. “As the pace of change in the global economy continues to accelerate, the strength of our higher education system will be a key driver of entrepreneurship and innovation. Delta State Government is committed to lifting its tertiary institutions into national and international prominence. You can always count on the partnership and support of the Delta State Government to keep Western Delta University growing in leaps and bounds”, he said.
Addressing the graduates, Governor Oborevwori commended their resilience and tenacity, acknowledging them as a critical pool of middle-level manpower capable of driving economic development and supporting the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises in the country, just as he extended gratitude to the university’s governing council, faculty, staff, and students for a memorable convocation ceremony.
“To our esteemed graduates, I congratulate you, for completing your academic programme. You should consider yourselves lucky as you now have the leverage to build lifelong careers that would drive the vision of sustainable economic growth and development of this country. I salute your resilience, determination and tenacity in the face of all challenges, in the course of your academic programme at this institution. It is safe to say that this set of graduates constitutes an invaluable pool of middle-level manpower needed to drive economic development including Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in the country”.
Furthermore, the Governor encouraged the broader student community to work diligently and pursue expertise in their fields, recognizing education as vital for both individual and societal advancement. He urged continuous self-improvement through lifelong learning, leveraging the internet as an educational tool, and invoked Albert Einstein’s wisdom: “Life is like riding a bicycle. If you want to maintain your balance, you must keep moving.”
He also acknowledged Oghara, the host community, for its efforts in maintaining security and fostering a peaceful academic environment, which has been instrumental in the university’s progress.
