Education
DELTA GOVERNOR SHERIFF OBOREVWORI RECEIVES HONORARY DOCTORATE DEGREE FROM NIGERIAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) degree in Social and Economic Development by the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko. The award was presented during the institution’s 2nd Combined Convocation Ceremony.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerowho Tonukari, Governor Oborevwori expressed profound appreciation to the university for the recognition, describing it as a tribute to the resilience of the Delta people and the collective efforts of his administration. “I receive this recognition not merely as a personal honour but as a tribute to the resilient spirit of our people, the tireless efforts of our administration, and the shared vision we hold for a more inclusive Delta State and a prosperous Nigeria,” the governor said.
Oborevwori extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and the entire university management, noting that the award affirms the institution’s commitment to recognizing leadership, service, and contributions to societal development. “This award is especially meaningful, not only because it comes from a distinguished institution in the riverine heartland of our state but also because it affirms the enduring value of service, commitment, and belief in the transformative power of education,” he added.
The governor reiterated his administration’s unwavering belief in education as the most enduring investment any government could offer its citizens. He praised the NMU as a beacon of hope and a driver of development in communities historically marginalized. “Since its establishment, the Nigerian Maritime University has provided world-class education in maritime studies and fostered human capital development essential to unlocking the vast potential of Nigeria’s blue economy,” he stated.
Oborevwori highlighted the strategic importance of the institution and noted the state’s continued support in partnership with the Federal Government to enhance security, improve infrastructure, and contribute to NMU’s overall development. “Our administration, guided by the M.O.R.E Agenda, has supported key projects such as the construction and donation of a faculty complex and the development of a connecting road from the host community to the university’s permanent site,” he said.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Emmanuel Adigio, commended Governor Oborevwori for the construction of a faculty building and the road linking Okerenkoko community to the university’s permanent site. The ceremony also honored Senator James Manager and Engr. Ebipador Ogionwo with Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) degrees in National Development and Industrial Development, respectively.
The Edo State Police Command has arrested students involved in a viral bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre, following widespread public outrage.
Police authorities confirmed that all individuals linked to the incident have been identified and taken into custody, with plans to charge them in a family court in line with juvenile justice and child protection laws.
The case gained national attention after disturbing videos surfaced online showing a student being physically assaulted by fellow students. In one of the clips, the victim was reportedly beaten, kicked, and humiliated while others watched and recorded the incident.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the violence stemmed from an earlier altercation between students. Authorities said a disagreement involving offensive remarks escalated into physical attacks, with a cycle of retaliation contributing to the incidents captured on video.
The Edo State Police spokesperson stated that the arrests followed a “thorough and painstaking investigation,” adding that all suspects would face legal proceedings in accordance with the law.
In response to the incident, the police have also intensified the “Operation Safe Schools” initiative across the state to address gaps in supervision and prevent similar occurrences.
The school management had earlier taken disciplinary action by expelling students directly involved, while the Edo State Ministry of Education condemned the act, describing it as unacceptable and contrary to the values of discipline and safety expected in schools.
Authorities have urged parents, guardians, and school administrators to take greater responsibility in guiding students and ensuring that grievances are handled through proper channels rather than violence.
Amnesty Programme Boosts Education: 220 Nigerians Studying in UK, 8,000 Enrolled Locally
The Federal Government has disclosed that no fewer than 220 Nigerians are currently studying in the United Kingdom under the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), while over 8,000 beneficiaries are pursuing various academic programmes within Nigeria.
Established in 2009, the Presidential Amnesty Programme was designed to address militancy in the Niger Delta by disarming and rehabilitating former agitators. Over time, the initiative has evolved into a comprehensive platform focused on education, skills acquisition, and empowerment to promote sustainable peace and development in the region.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries receive fully funded scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, monthly stipends, and book allowances for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Participants are drawn from key Niger Delta states, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
In 2025 alone, the programme sponsored 161 beneficiaries for postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, with an additional 34 deployed to various UK universities for the 2025–2026 academic session.
Administrator of the programme, Dennis Otuaro, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the initiative, with a renewed focus on critical and emerging fields such as data science, cybersecurity, and energy law.
According to him, the goal is to build a knowledge-driven Niger Delta by equipping beneficiaries with relevant global skills that can contribute to national development.
The programme continues to play a key role in transforming lives and fostering stability in the oil-rich region, while also positioning Nigerian youths for global competitiveness.
Dr. Maruf Alausa, Minister of Education, is in London alongside senior government officials to receive President Bola Tinubu ahead of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s education and skills development sector.
During the visit, Dr. Alausa underscored the launch of the second phase of Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reform programme, emphasizing strategic partnerships with international institutions, investors, and development organizations, including Big Win Philanthropy.
The reform initiative seeks to reposition technical education as a key driver of youth employment and economic growth, addressing the country’s long-standing challenges of graduate unemployment and skills mismatch. Discussions are set to include collaboration with University of Birmingham and Coventry University, with the aim of enhancing research, faculty exchange, and the establishment of a full campus in Nigeria to improve access to international-standard higher education.
Dr. Alausa noted that strengthening global partnerships is critical to reversing the outflow of Nigerian students abroad, attracting foreign investment, and boosting local capacity in education and technical skills.
Officials say the outcomes of the London engagements are expected to shape the next phase of reforms in Nigeria’s education sector, particularly in technical training, international collaboration, and infrastructure development.