The College of Education, Warri, has recorded significant strides in infrastructure, academic excellence, staff development, and student welfare as it prepares for its 21st Combined Convocation Ceremony scheduled for April 18, 2026.
Addressing journalists at a press conference, the Provost Dr. Dickson Onowakpoma Oyovwi highlighted the institution’s remarkable progress since assuming office in June 2021, describing the journey as one marked by resilience, transformation, and steady growth.
He disclosed that with the intervention of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the college has witnessed extensive infrastructural development, including the renovation of classroom blocks, construction of modern academic facilities, and ongoing work on an Entrepreneurship Centre aimed at equipping students with practical skills.
One of the most notable achievements, according to the Provost, is the transformation in student accommodation.
The institution, which previously had no completed on-campus hostel, now boasts multiple hostel facilities, including a newly completed state-of-the-art complex accommodating over 1,600 students. By the next academic session, the college is expected to house more than 2,000 students on campus.
In the area of human capital development, the Provost revealed that several staff members have obtained doctoral degrees through TETFund sponsorship, significantly improving the quality of the workforce and enhancing service delivery.
He added that the autonomy granted to the college in staff remuneration has enabled the recruitment of qualified personnel to fill critical vacancies.
He commended the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for prioritizing workers’ welfare and supporting the education sector through the M.O.R.E Agenda, noting that the governor has also approved the completion of the institution’s main administrative building.
On security, the Provost noted that the installation of streetlights across the campus by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has greatly improved safety, allowing students and staff to move freely at night.
He added that the college has further enhanced its environment through internally generated revenue used to beautify the entrance and reinforce perimeter fencing.
Academically, the institution has maintained an unbroken record of successful accreditations for both its NCE and degree programmes in affiliation with universities.
The Provost assured the public that certificates issued by the college remain credible, competitive, and nationally recognized.
Looking ahead, he revealed that the college is set to transition into a dual-mode institution following the Delta State Government’s adoption of the Dual Mandate policy.
This will enable the college to award degrees while retaining its traditional NCE programmes. He expressed optimism that full implementation would commence in the next academic session, pending resource verification by the National Universities Commission.
The Provost also emphasized the institution’s commitment to entrepreneurship education, noting that all students undergo compulsory skills training before graduation.
He disclosed that the college has entered into a partnership under the Federal Government’s IDEAS/TVET initiative, which will provide training, certification, stipends, and starter packs for participants.
Additionally, the college has established a table water factory certified by the Delta State Ministry of Environment and approved by NAFDAC, contributing to its internally generated revenue while serving the needs of the community.
Reflecting on his tenure, the Provost expressed gratitude for the peace and cooperation enjoyed within the institution, describing it as a key factor in the achievements recorded.
He also noted that he made history as the first Provost appointed from within the system, expressing hope that the precedent would continue.
He assured that the process for appointing a new Provost is already underway to ensure a smooth transition as his tenure ends in June 2026.
The convocation activities will commence with a lecture on April 17, followed by a gala, and climax with the award of certificates and honours to distinguished Deltans on April 18.
The Provost called on stakeholders, the media, and the general public to join the institution in celebrating what he described as a milestone in its journey of growth and excellence.
