In a significant recognition of his impact on the Niger Delta region, Edwin Clark University (ECU) in Kiagbodo, Delta State, has announced it will confer an honorary doctorate degree on High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
A Honor for Transformative Contributions
The university's Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Tita Wara, made the announcement during a pre-convocation media briefing held on Monday. He revealed that the honor is in recognition of Tompolo's transformative contributions to the development of education in the oil-rich area.
Prof. Wara specifically highlighted a major project: Tompolo built a fully furnished 250-room hostel facility within the university. The VC also commended the security chief for his work through Tantita Security Services Limited, which has significantly improved regional security and, by extension, fostered development.
Ambitious Expansion and a Landmark Convocation
Alongside the honorary award, the university unveiled ambitious plans for its future. A landmark N10 billion endowment fund, tagged the 'Edwin Clark Legacy Endowment,' was proposed. According to the VC, this fund is designed to provide a sustainable financial backbone for the institution.
The fund will ensure perpetual funding for:
- Scholarships
- World-class research
- Faculty development
- Maintenance of iconic infrastructure
This initiative is meant to secure the university's future as a beacon of academic excellence. Prof. Wara also announced that this convocation is a demographic milestone, as the university will now have produced 819 convocants since its inception. The 2025 combined ceremony will see 463 graduands, including 460 undergraduates, three Postgraduate Diploma holders, and two honorary awardees.
Academic Excellence and New Programmes
The academic highlight of the convocation is a female student from the Biological Science programme, who has achieved an exceptional Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.91. Her name is set to be revealed on the convocation day itself.
Looking forward, the university is expanding to meet national and global demands. Key expansion plans include:
- Enlarging the Sociology and Mass Communication departments.
- Introducing new programmes in the Faculty of Health Sciences, such as Public Health, Optometry, Occupational Therapy, and Physiotherapy.
- Establishing a new Faculty of Engineering.
- Expanding Computer Science to include Software Engineering and Cyber Security.
Furthermore, the institution will launch informal skill programmes in areas like Aquaculture, Poultry, Artificial Intelligence, and Digitech, broadening its educational scope beyond conventional degrees.
In a related recognition, the university will also honor Mr. Bade Adesina for his innovation in financial management and dedication to human empowerment.
