Delta State University (DELSU) in Abraka has produced some of Nigeria’s biggest stars and most successful graduates. From comedy kings to Nollywood queens, these DELSU alumni have made their mark across entertainment, business, and beyond. Here are the top 10 most notable graduates who prove that greatness can come from anywhere – including your university!
#10. Onos Ariyo
Onos Ariyo is a well-known gospel singer who has touched many hearts with her powerful voice and inspiring songs. This Delta State University graduate has built a strong following in Nigeria’s gospel music scene.
Her music career shows that DELSU students can succeed in any field they choose. Onos proves that with talent and hard work, you can make a name for yourself in the competitive Nigerian music industry. For students interested in music, she’s a perfect example of how university education can complement artistic talent.
What makes her special: Successfully balancing faith-based music with mainstream appeal, inspiring countless young people through her songs.
#9. Ayiri Emami
Ayiri Emami is a prosperous businessman who represents the entrepreneurial spirit that Delta State University encourages in its students. While not much public information is available about his specific business ventures, his recognition as a notable DELSU alumnus speaks to his success in the business world.
For business students at DELSU, Emami shows that the skills learned at university can translate into real-world business success. His story reminds current students that with the right education and determination, they too can become successful entrepreneurs.
What makes him special: Building business success while maintaining connection to his alma mater, proving that DELSU graduates can excel in the corporate world.
#8. Genevieve Donald
Genevieve Donald is another Nollywood actress who is a graduate of Delta State University Abraka. As an actress in Nollywood, she has starred in A-list films like Power of One, Up North, and others.
This talented actress shows that DELSU is a breeding ground for Nollywood talent. Her roles in major Nigerian films have made her a recognized face in the entertainment industry. For students studying drama, theatre arts, or any creative field, Genevieve’s career path demonstrates that your university can be the launching pad for a successful acting career.
Her success in competitive films proves that Delta State University graduates have what it takes to succeed in Nigeria’s booming film industry.
What makes her special: Landing roles in A-list Nollywood productions, representing DELSU excellence in Nigerian cinema.
#7. Craze Clown (Emmanuel Ogonna Iwueke)
Emmanuel Ogonna Iwueke popularly known as Craze Clown or Papa Ade is a Nigerian comedian, actor and cinematographer. He is popular for slapping his counterpart Ade in his comedy skit.
He has attended Delta State University before moving to pursue medicine in Ukraine. Craze Clown has won scores of awards including Naija Youths Choice and Naija FM Comedy Awards. He is currently a brand ambassador of NairaBet.
This multi-talented creator shows modern students how to use social media for success. His comedy skits have made him millions of followers and turned him into a brand ambassador for major companies. For DELSU students interested in content creation, digital marketing, or entertainment, Craze Clown proves that creativity plus education equals success.
What makes him special: Building a massive online following, winning multiple awards, and securing major brand partnerships through creative content.
#6. Mabel Makun
Mabel is a popular Nigerian interior designer, serial entrepreneur, and wife to famous Nigerian comedian Ayo Makun (AY). She is the CEO, Midas Interiors Limited. She attended Delta State University and graduated in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Mabel Makun is reportedly worth $500,000, making her one of Nigeria’s most successful female entrepreneurs. Her interior decoration company, which she started in 2011, attests to her course of study.
For female students at DELSU, especially those in business studies, Mabel represents the perfect example of turning your degree into a thriving business. She shows that with proper planning and hard work, you can build a company worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
What makes her special: Building a half-million-dollar business, successfully applying university business knowledge to real-world entrepreneurship.
#5. Daniella Okeke
Daniella Okeke is a Nigerian actress. In 2013, she starred as “Joke” in Lagos Cougars, a role that earned her the Best Actress in a Leading Role nomination at both the 10th Africa Movie Academy Awards and 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
The voluptuous actress, who hails from Imo State, studied Fine and Applied Arts at the Delta State University (DELSU). Over her 18 years of being active in the film industry, Danielle Okeke has acted in over 100 Nollywood movies and is also a serial entrepreneur and philanthropist.
For creative arts students, Daniella proves that your DELSU degree can lead to both artistic recognition and business success. Her combination of acting talent and entrepreneurial spirit makes her an inspiration for students who want to succeed in multiple areas.
What makes her special: Over 100 movie roles, major award nominations, and successful business ventures beyond acting.
#4. Oritsefemi
Oritsefemi Ekele, known as OritseFemi, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He got admission into DELSU, where he started studying Law. However, the urge to start making music was irresistible, so he decided to drop out.
While he didn’t complete his law degree, Oritsefemi’s time at Delta State University helped shape his artistic vision. His decision to follow his passion for music has paid off massively, making him one of Nigeria’s recognizable Afrobeats artists. His story teaches current DELSU students that sometimes following your dreams requires bold decisions.
For music students or anyone with artistic dreams, Oritsefemi shows that talent combined with courage can lead to national recognition in Nigeria’s competitive music industry.
What makes her special: Major Afrobeats success, national recognition, and inspiring story of following artistic passion.
#3. Lizzy Gold Onuwaje
Lizzy Gold Onuwaje was born on October 16, 1989, in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria, and is celebrated as a versatile Nigerian actress, model, and former beauty queen. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science from Delta State University (DELSU).
She participated and won the 2006 Miss Delta State beauty pageant. The following year, she represented Delta State at the 2007 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) contest. She has since starred in over 100 Nollywood movies.
Lizzy Gold represents the perfect combination of beauty, brains, and talent that DELSU produces. Her success in both pageantry and acting proves that university education enhances natural talent. For female students, especially those interested in entertainment, she’s proof that you can excel academically and still pursue your dreams in modeling and acting.
What makes her special: Beauty pageant winner, 100+ movie roles, and successful transition from university student to Nollywood star.
#2. Bovi (Abovi Ugboma)
Well-known Nigerian comedian, Bovi, was born on the 25th of September 1979 in Edo State, but he comes from Delta State. In addition to being a comedian, Bovi is a producer, writer, director, and actor. He studied Theatre Arts at DELSU, after which he started his career in 2007.
He became known when he starred in his Sitcom ‘Extended Family’ which he wrote and produced. The sitcom was top-rated. By 2008, he began leading comedy shows and events. Bovi started up his own show, ‘Man on Fire’ in 2013.
Bovi’s Theatre Arts degree from Delta State University gave him the foundation for becoming one of Nigeria’s most respected comedians. His success in comedy, television production, and live shows proves that DELSU’s creative programs prepare students for real-world success. For theatre arts and mass communication students, Bovi is the ultimate success story.
What makes him special: Multi-talented entertainer, successful TV producer, and one of Nigeria’s top-ranking comedians for over 15 years.
#1. AY (Ayo Makun)
Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, is a comedian, actor, writer, movie producer, and entrepreneur. The multi-talented celebrity graduated from DELSU in 2003 with a degree in Theater Arts after spending nine years in school. Nigerian Celebrities Who Are Delta State University Abraka Notable Alumni
AY Makun is reportedly worth $7 million and is considered the Nigerian King of Box Office owing to the money he makes from his movies. His comedy shows and movies have entertained millions of Nigerians and earned him international recognition.
AY represents the absolute peak of what Delta State University graduates can achieve. From organizing campus events as a student to becoming Nigeria’s comedy king worth millions of dollars, his journey inspires every DELSU student. His success in comedy, film production, and business shows that with education, talent, and persistence, there are no limits to what you can achieve.
For current DELSU students in any field, AY’s story proves that your university has produced world-class talent, and you could be next.
What makes him special: $7 million net worth, “King of Box Office” title, international recognition, and inspiring journey from DELSU student to entertainment mogul.
Delsu Notable Alumni FAQs
Who is the most famous Delta State University graduate?
AY (Ayo Makun) is the most famous DELSU graduate. The comedian, actor, and movie producer is worth $7 million and known as Nigeria's "King of Box Office." He graduated from DELSU in 2003 with a Theatre Arts degree and has achieved international recognition.
Which Nigerian comedians attended Delta State University Abraka?
Three major Nigerian comedians are DELSU alumni: AY (Ayo Makun), Bovi (Abovi Ugboma), and Craze Clown (Emmanuel Ogonna Iwueke). All three studied at DELSU and became successful entertainers, with AY and Bovi studying Theatre Arts while Craze Clown attended before pursuing medicine.
What Nollywood actresses are Delta State University graduates?
Notable Nollywood actresses from DELSU include Lizzy Gold Onuwaje (over 100 movies), Daniella Okeke (AMAA nominee), Genevieve Donald (starred in "Up North"), and Uche Mac-Auley (actress and producer). These actresses have starred in major Nigerian films and represent DELSU excellence in entertainment.
Which courses did famous DELSU alumni study?
Popular courses among successful DELSU alumni include Theatre Arts (AY, Bovi), Business Administration (Mabel Makun), Fine and Applied Arts (Daniella Okeke), Library and Information Science (Lizzy Gold), English (Uche Mac-Auley), and Mass Communication (Joseph Momodu). These diverse fields show DELSU's broad academic strength.
Are there any DELSU graduates in the music industry?
Yes, notable DELSU music alumni include Oritsefemi (Afrobeats singer who studied Law before dropping out), Onos Ariyo (gospel singer), and Matse Uwatse (radio personality with French and Literature degree). These graduates show DELSU's influence across different music genres.
Which DELSU alumni are successful entrepreneurs?
Successful DELSU entrepreneurs include Mabel Makun (CEO of Midas Interiors, worth $500,000), Ayiri Emami (prominent businessman), and AY Makun (entertainment mogul worth $7 million). These graduates prove that DELSU business education creates real-world success.
How many celebrities graduated from Delta State University?
Delta State University has produced over 15 notable celebrities across entertainment, business, and sports. The most famous include AY, Bovi, Lizzy Gold, Oritsefemi, Daniella Okeke, and Mabel Makun. The university continues producing successful graduates across various industries.
What makes DELSU alumni so successful in entertainment?
DELSU's strong Theatre Arts and Mass Communication programs, combined with active campus life and student organizations, prepare graduates for entertainment careers. The university's location in Delta State, known for creativity and arts, also contributes to producing talented entertainers like AY and Bovi.
Which DELSU graduate has the highest net worth?
AY (Ayo Makun) has the highest net worth among known DELSU alumni at $7 million. His success comes from comedy, movie production, and various business ventures. Mabel Makun follows with an estimated $500,000 net worth from her interior design business.
Are there any DELSU alumni in professional sports?
Yes, Charity Adule is a notable DELSU sports alumna. She's a professional football player who currently plays as a forward for SD Eibar in the Spanish Primera Division and represents the Nigerian Women's national football team, showing DELSU's reach into international sports.
Which DELSU alumni have won major awards?
Several DELSU alumni have won prestigious awards: Daniella Okeke received AMAA and Nigeria Entertainment Awards nominations, Craze Clown won Naija Youths Choice and Naija FM Comedy Awards, Lizzy Gold won Miss Delta State 2006, and AY has received multiple comedy and entertainment industry recognition.
Wrapping up
These 10 Delta State University alumni prove that DELSU graduates excel across entertainment, business, music, and entrepreneurship. From AY’s millions to Lizzy Gold’s movie stardom, these success stories show current students that their university education can be the foundation for incredible achievements.
What’s your inspiration? Which of these DELSU success stories motivates you most? Share this list with fellow students and let us know which alumni you’d add to the list!
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