ASABA: Delta State, located in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone, is not only one of the country’s major oil-producing states but also a stronghold of educational advancement. As of 2025, Delta State is home to eleven universities, comprising three federal, four state, and four private universities, reflecting its commitment to broad-based higher education.

Below is a comprehensive list and overview of all recognized universities in Delta State as of May 2025:

Federal Universities

1. Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE)

• Established: 2007

• Location: Effurun, Uvwie LGA

• Overview: FUPRE is Africa’s first petroleum university, established to produce skilled manpower for the oil and gas sector. Initially shared facilities with PTI, the university moved to its permanent site in 2010 and offers specialized programs in engineering and sciences related to the energy industry.

2. Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko

• Established: 2018

• Location: Okerenkoko, Warri South-West LGA

• Overview: Founded by the Federal Ministry of Transport through NIMASA, the university addresses the shortage of maritime professionals. Located on the banks of the Escravos River, it offers programs in marine engineering, transportation, environmental management, and related fields.

  3. Admiralty University of Nigeria, Ibusa (ADUN)

  • 📍 Location: Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area (Main Campus); Sapele (Naval Campus)

  • 

  • Year of Establishment: 2017. A private-public partnership between the Nigerian Navy and international partners, offering maritime, cybersecurity, and conventional academic programs.

  • The university is now a federally owned university                                                                                                                                                                                           STATE UNIVERSITIES 

1.Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba

Location: Anwai, Asaba (Delta State Capital)

• Year of Establishment: 2021. Formerly a campus of Delta State University (DELSU), it became an independent university in 2021. It emphasizes entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology-driven learning.

2. University of Delta, Agbor (UNIDEL)

• 📍 Location: Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area

• Year of Establishment: 2021

•  Formerly the College of Education, Agbor, it was upgraded to a university in 2021. UNIDEL focuses on teacher education, medicine, health, arts, sciences, and social sciences.

3. Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU)

Location: Abraka (Main Campus) and Oleh (Campus for Law and Engineering)

Year of Establishment: 1992                                                                                  One of the oldest state universities in Delta, it offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs and has multiple campuses serving the state of Delta 4. University of Science and Technology,(now university of southern Delta ) Ozoro 

Location: Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area

Year of Establishment: 2021

Formerly a polytechnic, it was converted into a university to focus on science, technology, engineering, and innovation for development.

PRIVATE OWNED UNIVERSITIES

1. Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo

• Established: 2015

• Location:
  

  Kiagbodo- Ughelli South Local Government Area

  Founded to blend academic excellence with strong moral values, ECU is committed to nurturing global citizens. The university emphasizes creativity, personal development, and community service.

2. Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Agbarha-Otor

• Established: 2015

• LOCATION                                                                                                       Agbarha-Otor, UGHELLI NORTH                                                                         MCIU is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to producing graduates of global relevance.  It received full accreditation for all its courses by the NUC in 2019.

3. Novena University, Ogume

• Established: 2005

• Novena was the first private university in Delta State, created to accommodate the large number of students unable to secure admission to public universities. It offers various degree programs across the arts, science, and social sciences.

4. Western Delta University, Oghara

• Established: 2007, Established by the former governor of Delta state, Chief Onanefe James Ibori Urhobo, WDU offers programs in the arts, social sciences, management, and natural sciences. It promotes research and community-oriented education.

Delta State continues to play a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s higher education sector. With its diverse array of federal, state, and private universities, the state not only serves its own residents but also attracts students from across the country and beyond. The commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and industry relevance is evident in the growth and diversity of its institutions.

    Researched, culled  and written by:                                                                                 Elvis Ogboi                                                                                                                     Researcher, Entrepreneur, online publisher and news blogger                                           https://www.rapidospace.com