This article is a complete list of all Delta State universities as of the year 2023. Delta State is one of Nigeria’s Niger Delta States, situated in the country’s South-South geopolitical zone. It is also one of Nigeria’s wealthiest States, as well as one of the country’s top oil producers, with top refineries and oil corporations based there. In terms of university education, Delta State is one of Nigeria’s most educated States, as evidenced by the number of universities in the State.
In total, Delta State has nine universities, two of which are federal universities, two of which are State universities, and the other five of which are private universities. They are outlined below to be discussed as we proceed further:
- Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun – Federal University
- Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko – Federal University
- Delta State University Abraka – State University
- Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba
- Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo – Private University
- Michael And Cecilia Ibru University – Private University
- Novena University, Ogume – Private University
- Western Delta University, Oghara – Private University
- Admiralty University of Nigeria, Ibusa – Private University.
FULL LIST OF ALL UNIVERSITIES IN DELTA STATE 2023
The following are the 9 universities located in Delta State of Nigeria this 2023:
FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM RESOURCES, EFFURUN (FUPRE)
The Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE) in Delta State, Nigeria, was formed and approved during a meeting of the Federal Executive Council on March 14, 2007, and began accepting undergraduate students in 2008. The institution was founded as part of a Nigerian government attempt to construct a specialized university in the Niger Delta to produce people and knowledge for the oil and gas industry.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) permitted the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, and the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun to share facilities until the latter moved to its permanent site in Ugbomro, Uvwie Local Government Area Delta State, in 2010. The Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE) is the first petroleum university in Africa.
NIGERIAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY, OKERENKOKO
The Federal Ministry of Transport acting through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and in the execution of its mandate, proposed the establishment of the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. Okerenkoko, where the permanent site of the University is located sits on the left bank of the Escravos River noted for shipping and inland water borne transportation. The Escravos River opens into the Atlantic Ocean and it is a preferred route for ocean-going vessels engaged in the oil and gas industry.The University was established in response to the chronic shortage of professional human capital and global competitive technical know how in the maritime industry and economy.
The global maritime economy has become increasingly knowledge driven, necessitating the production of local high level professionals imbued with requisite dosage of nationalism and patriotism. In February 2018 the National Universities Commission (NUC) gave approval to commence degree programmes in the University. To enable the University commence academic activities in the 2017/2018 academic session a well-developed temporary site located at Kurutie town has been acquired for the University. The University took off with three Faculties, thirteen Programmes/Departments and a school of Basic studies.
DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY, ABRAKA
The Delta State University, Abraka, popularly known as DELSU, was founded on the 28th of April, 1992 to provide university education to Deltans in particular and all who sought an excellent tertiary learning experience. The University started as a Government Teacher Training College, offering Grade II Certificate (TC II) before Nigeria gained her independence in 1960. It metamorphosed into a College of Education for the award of the Nigerian Certificate of Education (NCE). The College was affiliated to both the Universities of Benin, Benin City and Temple University, in the United States of America offering degree and Postgraduate Degree Programmes up to the early 1990s.
In 1976, Bendel State was created and in 1980 Bendel State University, Ekpoma was established. The College eventually became Faculty of Education of the Bendel State University. In 1985, the institution was integrated to become a campus of the defunct Bendel State University, Ekpoma, and retained this status until the split/creation of Delta and Edo States out of the former Bendel State in August 1991. This development no doubt triggered off a spirited agitation for the establishment of a State own University for the education-hungry Deltans. Consequently, the first Executive Governor of Delta State, Olorogun Felix Ovuodoroye Ibru established by proclamation the Delta State University, Abraka on 30th April, 1992 as an autonomous University.
there is hereby established in Abraka a University to be known as the Delta State University and; the Main Campus of the University shall be sited in Abraka with a campus at Anwai, Asaba.
In 1995, the edict establishing the Delta State University was amended with the establishment of a third campus at Oleh, thereby creating campuses across the three senatorial districts of Delta State in then administration of group Captain Ibrahim Kefas as Governor of Delta State.
Further on, in 2021, with Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi A. Okowa as Governor of Delta State, the law establishing the Delta State University was again amended with the Asaba Campus upgraded to an independent University while the existing Faculties were moved to Abraka main campus. The amendment is as reproduced hereunder:
(3) “The University shall have two campuses, with the main campus at Abraka and the other campus at Oleh…”
Consequently, the Delta State University now has the following campuses: Abraka Campus Site 1 – This site accommodates the Institute of Education, the University Transit Lodge, the Senior Staff Club, some Staff Quarters, a Sports Ground, Canon Mason Hall of Residence for male students, the Delta State University Staff Schools (Primary and Secondary); the Works and Services and Physical Planning Departments, DELSU Investment Limited (DIL) which include the University Printing Press, the Science Equipment Centre, the Bakery and Water Factory and the DELSU Radio Station Frequency Modulation (FM).
Site 2 – This houses Administrative Block, Students Affairs, Senate Block, Bursary, the main Library and the Health Centre. Others are Abraka Hall (a male hostel), Ethiope Hall, Council Hall and Eco Hostel (three female hostels) and some staff quarters. Banking services are provided by Ecobank Nigeria Limited. The Vice-Chancellor’s Guest House, various Directorates of Research, Faculty of Agriculture, Fine and Applied Arts Department as well as Music Department.
Site 3 – The Faculties of Arts, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Medicine (operating at Oghara where the Teaching Hospital and Warri Central Hospital where our Medical Students are also trained); Education, Management Sciences, Pharmacy, Science, the Social Sciences and the proposed Faculty of Dentistry are domiciled in this site. Others in this site include Postgraduate School, Pre-Degree, Sandwich, Weekend Degree and Open and Distance Learning Degree Programmes; the Old Convocation Hall, Convocation Arena, Council and Senate Chamber, the new University e-Library, Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge, staff quarters, Indoor Sports Hall, NDDC Hostel, Postgraduate Hostel, Physiology Laboratory, DELSU Oil and Block Industry, SDP Built Health Centre and the Central Administrative Building under construction.
Oleh Campus, the site formally occupied by the St. Michael’s Teachers’ College, Oleh was later occupied by a Secondary School known as St. Michael College. Currently, it is a campus of the University which houses the Faculties of Law and Engineering. It also houses a Moot court, a Library with e-learning centre, students’ hostels, sporting facilities and a health centre.
DENNIS OSADEBAY UNIVERSITY, ASABA
Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba is one of the three new universities established by the Delta State Government and approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2021. Dennis Osadebay University is located at Anwai, Asaba (formely Delta State University Anwai campus), Delta State capital. Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Thursday, February 25, 2021 signed three Bills for the establishment of new universities in the State and Dennis Osadebay University is one of them.
The mission of the Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba is to provide tradition of excellence in teaching, research, innovation, entrepreneurial skill and competence endeavors toward meeting societal needs, and their mission is to be a leading Transformational University for the Empowerment of all stakeholders leveraging on technology.
EDWIN CLARK UNIVERSITY, KIAGBODO
Edwin Clark University, which opened its doors in May 2015, is poised to provide an academically rigorous education in a creative community where learning and values collide, fostering creative qualities of mind and heart in students and preparing them to reach their full potential as informed citizens of their communities, Nigeria, and the world at large. Personal and social responsibility, as well as their intellectual, personal, and spiritual growth as responsible global citizens, are key to their subject and ideals.
Their strategic plan is forward-thinking, focusing on innovation, academic excellence, and recruiting teachable and best students for ECU, as well as intensive community engagement, a robust Student academic programme, functional campus infrastructures, and a conducive, safe, and great place to work and study.
MICHAEL AND CECILIA IBRU UNIVERSITY
The Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU) has been established to produce high-quality graduates of international standard, who can compete favourably with their counterparts anywhere, anytime in the world. The programmes and academic calendar are designed to enable students to graduate within the stipulated period and duration of the study. Students shall graduate with quality head knowledge, skills, competencies and high moral integrity. Work ethics of diligence and passion for excellence are inculcated into undergraduates.
MCIU was granted an operating license on March 5, 2015, by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to “operate as a Private University in Nigeria”. MCIU has positioned herself to be a premier higher institution of learning in Nigeria; which shall, in every sense and standard, be renowned for providing quality and cutting-edge education. In January 2019, Michael and Cecilia Ibru University was fully (100%) accredited for all its courses by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
NOVENA UNIVERSITY, OGUME
Novena University has been established to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the youths and women who are unable to get opportunities for education since the spaces available in existing institutions cannot accommodate a good percentage of those who apply each year in Nigeria for admission. Their interest as you stay with this university is to create a pathway for a life journey, which is a time of great personal growth.
Their programmes are like an onion as they provide education which encourages critical and intuitive thought, adding layers of understanding to one’s view of the world and developing the skills needed to participate in the occupational environment as well as interpersonal relationships.
WESTERN DELTA UNIVERSITY, OGHARA
Western Delta University was founded by a group of Urhobo Scholars under the auspices of the Urhobo Advancement Foundation (UAF) who saw the need for a privately financed university in the wetlands of Delta State, Nigeria. Since its establishment in 2007, WDU has offered access to a wide range of academic opportunities.
The university fosters a community of scholars and students who are committed to the pursuit of research and professional practice for the advancement of society. It is also driven by a passionate desire to uphold the highest ideals of public service, professionalism and philanthropy.
ADMIRALTY UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, IBUSA
The Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN) was established as a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) through the joint efforts of Nigerian Navy Holdings (a subsidiary organization of the Nigerian Navy) and Hellenic Education Nigeria – (a private consultancy, with international educators) as main partners.
The objectives of the University are manifold: to expand the frontiers of knowledge in various academic disciplines in Nigeria; to use University education as a tool towards development and the enhancement of human welfare; to meet the challenges of nation building in Nigeria; and to address the acute shortage of personnel in various sectors of the economy in Nigeria.
The main campus of the University is located in Ibusa – Ogwashi-Uku Expressway, Delta State, about 20km from Asaba, the Delta State Capital. The University also has another campus located on 203 acres of land at the existing site of the Nigerian Navy Engineering College, in Sapele (Sapele Local Government Area). Both campuses of the University are well developed for academic activities.
