Oborevwori Calls for Curriculum Reform to Empower Graduates as Job, Wealth Creators
AGBOR/Nigeria: Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for a comprehensive redesign of Nigeria’s academic curriculum to equip graduates with technical skills that will enable them to become job and wealth creators rather than depend solely on salaried employment.
Oborevwori made the call on Wednesday during the 4th Founder’s Day Celebration of the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, where he was represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme. The event featured a keynote lecture delivered by the immediate past Governor of the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, titled “Nation Building: The Search For A Nigeria That Works For All.”
The governor emphasized that quality and functional education remain a key priority of his administration’s MORE agenda, stressing that education should not only impart knowledge but also shape character, foster creativity, and equip students with the skill sets required to thrive in the global marketplace.
“The major drawback of our current educational system is that it prepares graduates for salaried employment. As a government, we are determined to change this narrative by ensuring that technical and vocational education feature prominently in our academic curriculum, starting from primary school,” Oborevwori stated.
He urged UNIDEL to take the lead in ensuring that its graduates acquire the necessary knowledge and technical expertise to become self-reliant, adding that the journey to educational excellence requires continuous improvement and collaboration. “Together, we can build a Delta State where education flourishes, and where every child can dream boldly,” he added.
The governor commended Senator Okowa for his foresight in establishing the university, noting that its creation has provided hope for thousands of school leavers who might have otherwise been left without higher education opportunities. He expressed delight that UNIDEL had admitted 4,500 new students for the current academic session and had secured accreditation for 71 out of its 74 academic programmes.
“As we reflect on our achievements so far, I am happy to inform you that we have continued to invest significantly in educational infrastructure and quality programmes. We have deployed resources to improve our universities, including the construction of critical infrastructure and enhancement of laboratory facilities,” Oborevwori said.
He further called on the university administration to establish endowment funds to support long-term institutional goals, scholarships for brilliant but indigent students, and innovative research initiatives. He also highlighted the need for improved medical education, urging stakeholders in the healthcare sector to collaborate with the government in providing medical hostels and converting community health facilities into teaching hospitals.
Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, in his lecture, commended Governor Oborevwori for sustaining the vision of establishing three new universities in the state, noting that the institutions were witnessing growth in student enrollment and infrastructure.
The Pro-Chancellor of UNIDEL, Prof. Emmanuel Nwanze, and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stella Chiemeke, also lauded the governor’s commitment to education, reaffirming the university’s dedication to academic excellence and innovation.
