By Paul Olayemi

Otefe-Oghara — The second day of the 2nd Combined Convocation Ceremony of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, was highlighted by an insightful lecture delivered by Professor Chux Gervase Iwu of the University of the Western Cape, South Africa.

Speaking on the topic, “Taking Nigeria to the World and the World to Nigeria Through Technology and Innovation Education in the Era of Digitization and Artificial Intelligence,” Professor Iwu underscored the urgent need for Nigeria to strengthen its infrastructure as a foundation for digital transformation.

Held at the institution’s Chief James Onanefe Ibori Auditorium, the event drew an array of dignitaries, including Hon. Charles Emetulu, Chairman, House Committee on Education in the Delta State House of Assembly; Professor Nyerohwo Tonukari, Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education; Chief Andrew Orugbo, Governing Council Chairman; and Hon. Ben Igbakpa, a former House of Representatives member. Representing traditional leadership, Chief Vincent Atuma stood in for His Royal Majesty, Noble Oyibo Eshemitan, Orefe III, the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Delta, Agbor, Professor Stella Chiemeke, and other esteemed guests also graced the occasion.

Answering questions from media men after the event, Professor Iwu did not shy away from addressing Nigeria’s challenges in harnessing its youth population for leadership in the digital economy.

“Every progressive nation today would invest in proper infrastructure. I do not think that at the moment we have sufficient infrastructure. If we don’t have sufficient electricity, a superb, dependable power supply, then where are we going with the talk about digitisation? It’s got to be supported by the right kinds of infrastructure,” he stated.

Professor Iwu further critiqued the current state of Nigeria’s education system, arguing that it lacks the structural reforms necessary to drive global competitiveness in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation. He emphasized the importance of moving beyond theoretical education to practical, experiential learning. According to him, “An entrepreneurship lecturer may not have gone to the bank to seek a loan. Many of us who teach these things do not even have the practical exposure to what we teach. Until we rethink our educational policies and question our capacities, we cannot truly prepare students for the digital economy.”

Calling for the integration of local case studies into academic curricula, Professor Iwu stressed the need for contextually relevant teaching. “We must stop using foreign examples like British Airways to teach students who have never flown an aircraft. Instead, develop local case studies that resonate with their realities. Bring industry practitioners to the classroom to bridge the gap between theory and practice,” he advised.

Goodwill messages delivered during the event echoed the themes of the lecture. Hon. Charles Emetulu praised the Polytechnic for fostering dialogue that aligns with Nigeria’s developmental goals, while Professor Nyerohwo Tonukari reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to advancing higher education in Delta State. Chief Andrew Orugbo and Hon. Ben Igbakpa commended the Polytechnic for its efforts in producing graduates with skills relevant to the digital age.

The ceremony was officially opened and closed by the Rector of the Polytechnic, Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, who lauded the gathering as a milestone for the institution. In his remarks, Ufuophu-Biri noted that the convocation theme was timely, given the global shift towards digitization and artificial intelligence. He urged graduates to embrace innovation and lifelong learning as they transition into the workforce.

As the convocation ceremony continues, all eyes are now on tomorrow’s grand finale with the Polytechnic set to welcome His Excellency Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. The governor is not only expected to grace the event as the special guest and official visitor to the Polytechnic but will also commission several key projects on campus. Prof. Ufuophu-Biri revealed that some of these projects have been named in honor of the governor and other past leaders, reflecting the institution’s commitment to preserving the legacies of individuals who have contributed to Delta State’s development.

Governor Oborevwori’s anticipated visit reflects his administration’s MORE Agenda — Meaningful development, Opportunities for all, Realistic reforms, and Enhanced peace and security. His presence will likely reinforce state policies supporting technical education and youth empowerment, aligning with the ideas championed in Professor Iwu’s lecture.

As the curtains draw on the 2nd Combined Convocation Ceremony, the discussions initiated by Professor Iwu’s lecture serve as a call to action for educators, policymakers, and industry leaders. With Nigeria’s future as a global player in the digital economy hanging in the balance, the critical need for reforms in infrastructure and education has never been more evident