By Passman Akpos
The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, on Friday, 28 November 2025, led members of the 2005 graduating class of Religious Studies, Delta State University (DELSU) Abraka, on a nostalgic return to their alma mater, culminating in the donation of teaching aids and learning materials to the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy.
The delegation of alumni, visiting the campus two decades after graduation, was warmly received by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Samuel Asagba, alongside senior university officials. Their return, marked by gratitude and reflection, featured a brief tour of the department’s facilities—many of which require urgent renovation.
At a brief ceremony, Speaker Guwor formally presented the donated items, which included hundreds of textbooks across multiple reference fields, digital learning kits, a projector, assorted stationery, and a public-address system, among other educational resources.
Describing the moment as deeply humbling, Guwor said the visit was an opportunity to give back to the institution that shaped their worldview.
“Thanking God for life and for giving us the wherewithal to return after 20 years, it is humbling to come back to the place that built our foundation,” he said. “These items are a token of appreciation for what we received here and a commitment to continue supporting the next generation of scholars.”
He emphasised that the gesture aligns with Delta State’s broader vision of enhancing education and community empowerment under the “Renewed Hope for MORE” agenda.
Guwor also commended the Vice-Chancellor and his management team for their ongoing efforts to raise academic standards, while giving special recognition to his former project supervisor, describing the reunion as “heartwarming and memorable.”
Class Coordinator, Mr Bartholomew Akwalhigbe, echoed the sentiment of gratitude, recalling the resource challenges the class faced during their undergraduate years.
“When we were students, outdated books and limited materials were major obstacles,” he noted. “Seeing one of our colleagues now lecturing in this same department—and receiving these textbooks—is truly gratifying.”
Vice-Chancellor Asagba lauded the initiative, describing the department as “a beacon of inter-religious understanding and academic excellence.” He assured the alumni that the university would maximize the materials and expressed hope for future collaboration.
“We welcome this spirit of giving,” Prof Asagba remarked. “Our wish is that this partnership grows beyond a one-off intervention to long-term collaborative projects that benefit both the university and the larger Delta community.”
The event ended on a sentimental note as Guwor and his former classmates reconnected with old lecturers, shared memories, and posed for a group photograph—marking a meaningful homecoming two decades in the making.
