By Ambrose Ologide .
Saturday 21st June, 2025 will mark Dr Dickson Onovwakpoma Oyovwi ‘ s four years in office as Provost of College of Education ( COE) Warri.
To mark the significant milestone of the four years of stewardship of Dr Oyovwi as provost of the College, our correspondent had an exclusive and comprehensive media chat with the Public Relations Officer ( PRO ) of the College , Mrs Omovusi Owarieta – Enakarhire at her office in the College on Friday June 20th , 2025 .
Mrs Owarieta – Enakarhire in the media chat, gladly attested that the College has undergone a transformative journey that showcased remarkable growth, development, and a renewed sense of purpose since Dr Oyovwi assumed office as the 6th provost of the College .
She remarked that the College community also witnessed peaceful coexistence and mutual relationship.
Her words : “Under Provost Oyovwi’s leadership, the College Community has experienced an unprecedented era of peaceful coexistence. The cordial relationship between Management, staff, and students has fostered a conducive environment for growth and development to thrive. The staff and student union have developed a strong bond, working together to achieve common goals. “
The PRO of College of Education, Warri, proudly stated that the College in the period under review , has achieved outstanding success in resource verification and accreditation exercises “So far, Oyovwi has overseen about 7 resource verification/ accreditation exercises .
The NUC & NCCE Accreditation Exercise, which was conducted earlier this year was also successful, with the College getting full accreditation for all the courses presented.
“Consequently, the College was granted full accreditation for the next five years. This is a testament to the quality of human resources and facilities present at the College.
“This feat has also set the stage for future success, ensuring that the next Provost can build on the foundation laid by Provost Oyovwi.” she added.
The PRO of the College was full of praise for Dr Oyovwi for influencing patronage of Tertiary Education Trust Fund ( Tetfund) in areas of infrastructural achievements in the College .
She stated that the College witnessed a huge surge in terms of development, with new structures being erected across the College.
She listed some of the infrastructure to include a two storey suspended floors that comprised classrooms and offices, fully furnished courtesy of the 2022 Teffund Special Intervention Project.
She also talked about a new building that is located between the school of Arts & Social Sciences and School of Sciences Block and it featured classrooms, offices, and a conference room courtesy of the Teffund 2023 Annual Intervention Projects.
Owarieta – Enakarhire listed the renovation of the College ICT block as one of the infrastructural achievement carried out under the Teffund 2023 Maintenance Intervention
She disclosed that a new hostel block that is near completion courtesy of Teffund Special High Impact Protect is among the projects
She further listed the completion of some abandoned projects to substantiate her claim of infrastructural achievements of the provost.
Some of the completed abandoned projects courtesy of Teffund 2024 Special Intervention Projects which she listed are : classrooms , auditorium and offices
She again disclosed that under this period, office furniture and equipment, 30 receptionist chairs, 19 all – in – one PCs and 19 printers courtesy Tetfund 2023 Zonal Intervention.
Inspite of the foregoing listed laudable achievements of Dr Oyovwi on assumption of office four years ago , it is interesting to know that massive construction of a 400-room capacity hoste, that will accommodate over 1,600 students capacity is under way. She stated that this will be completed before the end of this year .
The administrative building , courtesy of Delta State Government is also among the projects that is under construction, and she expressed optimism that the project will be completed before the end of the year.
The PRO of College of Education Warri , was full of praises for the provost for what she termed as ‘ a new era of autonomy on assumption of office four years ago.
Said she “Under Provost Oyovwi’s leadership, the College is experiencing full autonomy in regards to the appointment of members to its principal officers’ positions. Recently, a new Bursar and College Librarian were appointed, marking a significant milestone in the College’s history. For the first time in over 40 years, all current substantive Principal Officers are from within the College, showcasing the institution’s commitment to developing its own talent.”
Mrs Omovusi Owaireta -Enakarhire remarked that the provost of the college is a leader who listens , noting that “Provost Oyovwi’s leadership style is characterized by an open-door policy, where staff and students can freely express their concerns and ideas.
” His accessibility and willingness to listen have contributed significantly to the peaceful coexistence and growth of the College. “
She rounded up the media interaction with a congratulation message to the Provost .
She expressed optimism that with the visionary leadership of Dr Oyovwi, the college is poised to become an international Institution of repute.
