Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli and the Republic of Korea’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Kim Young Chae are among two eminent personalities to be conferred with honorary doctorate degrees by the Western Delta University, located in Oghara, Delta State.
Othera are accomplished individuals such as Dr. (Mrs.) Ajoritsedere Awosika, Mr. Oritsedere Otubu, and Mr. Igho Okotete.
In a statement by Prof. Augustine Ikelegbe, the Vice-Chancellor of WDU, the conferment of the awards will also mark 15 years of academic excellence of the university.
Speaking further, Ikelegbe said the initiative aims to foster new connections and partnerships that will contribute to the university’s growth and development.
“We are building a new layer and network of friendship, stakeholder-ship, partnership and mutual support, which would strengthen our resolve and strides for greater development and contributions,” Ikelegbe said.
The VC also emphasized WDU’s commitment to quality education, incorporating audio-visual learning tools, ICT, and digital technology to redefine the university experience in Nigeria.
Speaking ahead of the 11th-13th combined convocation ceremony, Prof. Ikelegbe highlighted WDU’s prominence in the private university sector, pointing out the institution’s smaller class sizes, superior facilities, emphasis on discipline, and a stable academic calendar, making private universities increasingly attractive for quality tertiary education.
“With smaller enrolments and better facilities, emphasis on discipline and character, strict rules of student conduct and behaviour, and stability of university calendar, private universities are attracting more attention today in the quest for quality tertiary education in Nigeria,” he said.
In less than two decades of its formation, WDU has expanded its academic offerings, growing from three to six colleges and introducing postgraduate programmes.
The upcoming convocation will see the first batch of postgraduate graduands, marking a significant milestone in the university’s academic journey.
Prof. Ikelegbe also expressed gratitude to Chief James Onanefe Ibori, the WDU Visitor, for his unwavering support and provision of essential facilities.
He highlighted the establishment of a Centre for Learning Resources, encompassing main and e-libraries across various campuses, showcasing the university’s commitment to academic resources and advancement.
It was also revealed that as of August 2023, WDU had an impressive collection of 18,885 book volumes and 1,055 journal titles, a testament to the institution’s dedication to enriching its learning environment.
Looking ahead, Prof. Ikelegbe announced plans to extend postgraduate programmes to additional colleges, following verification exercises by the National Universities Commission in 2024.
