Southern Delta University (SDU), Ozoro, formerly known as Delta State University of Science and Technology, has announced its first convocation ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic session. The event will take place from February 22 to March 1, 2026, and will include a variety of activities.
The Grand Itinerary: A Week of Excellence
The university has structured the convocation to be an inclusive experience for staff, students, and the host community of Ozoro. The schedule reflects a balance between tradition and the modern scientific mandate of the institution.
| Date | Activity | Time | Venue |
| Sun, Feb 22 | Opening Church Service | 7:00am – 10:00am | Annunciation Catholic Church, SDU |
| Mon, Feb 23 | Novelty Match | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | SDU Stadium |
| Tue, Feb 24 | Vice-Chancellor’s Press Conference | 11:00am – 1:00pm | University Campus |
| Wed, Feb 25 | Convocation Lecture | 11:00am – 2:00pm | University Auditorium |
| Thu, Feb 26 | Science, Technology & Innovation Exhibition | 11:00am – 1:00pm | University Exhibition Ground |
| Fri, Feb 27 | Main Convocation Ceremony | 9:00am – 1:00pm | Convocation Arena |
| Sun, March 1 | Closing Thanksgiving Service | 7:00am – 10:00am | Cathedral Church of St. Paul (Anglican) |
Strategic Pillars of the Maiden Ceremony
1. Spiritual Foundation and Community Integration
The ceremony begins and ends with religious services. By starting at the Annunciation Catholic Church on campus and concluding at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul (Anglican Communion), SDU emphasizes its role as a moral anchor in the Diocese of Ozoro. These services serve to dedicate the first crop of graduates under the new university status to a life of service and integrity.
2. Intellectual and Public Discourse
The Vice-Chancellor’s Press Conference (Feb 24) and the Convocation Lecture (Feb 25) represent the academic core of the week. While the press conference will likely highlight the university’s growth metrics and infrastructural expansion since the transition, the Convocation Lecture provides a platform for a guest orator to address pressing national or global issues through the lens of science and technology.
3. The Science, Technology, and Innovation Exhibition
On Thursday, February 26, the university will pivot to its primary mandate. The Exhibition is a critical component of the SDU brand. It is an opportunity for students and faculty researchers to present home-grown solutions to local challenges. In an era where Nigeria is pushing for technological self-reliance, this exhibition serves as a marketplace for ideas and a proof of concept for the university’s technical curriculum.
4. The Main Convocation Ceremony: Friday, February 27
This is the pinnacle of the academic year. The ceremony will feature:
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The Award of Degrees: For the first time, graduates will receive certificates bearing the name Southern Delta University.
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Award of Prizes: Recognizing the “Best and Brightest” across various departments.
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Commissioning of Projects: In a move that highlights administrative proactivity, the university will unveil new infrastructural developments, signaling that SDU is a “building site” for future leaders.
Administrative Directives for Graduands
To ensure a seamless experience during the “Main Event” on Friday, February 27, graduands are reminded to:
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Complete Clearance: Ensure all departmental and library clearances are finalized.
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Gown Collection: Follow the designated schedule for the collection of academic regalia to avoid the last-minute rush.
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Punctuality: The 9:00am start for the main ceremony is strict to accommodate the academic procession and visiting dignitaries.
Southern Delta University is stepping into history. This maiden convocation is not just a celebration of the past year’s academic session, but a foundation stone for the decades of innovation and leadership to come in Ozoro.
