By Anne Azuka
Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has donated books, teaching aids and other learning materials to the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy at his alma mater, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka. The donation was made during a courtesy visit to the institution over the weekend.Guwor, who was accompanied by members of the 2005 graduating class of Religious Studies, said the gesture was a way of giving back to the department that shaped his academic and professional journey. The Speaker also pledged to commence extensive renovation of the department’s dilapidated lecture building to improve the learning environment.The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Asagba, led senior university officials to receive the Speaker and his classmates. After a brief tour of the department, Guwor formally presented the donated materials, which included hundreds of textbooks, digital learning kits, a projector, a public-address system and assorted stationery.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to return two decades after graduation, Guwor said the donation was “a small token of appreciation” from the class of 2005 and a commitment to support the next generation of scholars. He added that the initiative aligns with the state government’s broader efforts to strengthen education and enhance academic development.“This donation is expected to boost the department’s research output and improve the learning experience for current students, reinforcing Delta State’s broader agenda of ‘Renewed Hope for MORE’ through education and community empowerment,” the Speaker said.
He also commended the Vice-Chancellor and his management team for their efforts in maintaining high academic standards, while acknowledging his former project supervisor for the role played in his academic growth.Speaking on behalf of the class, Mr. Bartholomew Akwalhigbe, the Class Coordinator, reflected on the academic challenges they faced as students. He noted that limited resources and outdated learning materials were major obstacles at the time and expressed joy that the new donations would ease those burdens for today’s students.“Seeing our former classmate, now a lecturer in the department, receive these books is truly gratifying,” Akwalhigbe added.In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Asagba praised the initiative, describing the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy as “a beacon of inter-religious understanding and academic excellence.” He assured the alumni that the university would put the materials to full use and encouraged continuous collaboration.“
We welcome this spirit of giving and look forward to more collaborative projects that benefit both the university and the wider Delta community,” he said.The visit ended on a nostalgic note, as the Speaker and his classmates shared memories, interacted with former lecturers and posed for a group photograph to mark the occasion.
