The Delta State government has re-awarded the contract for the long-abandoned Senate building of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, and approved the construction of new hostels at the institution and the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor.
The state government has also made budgetary provisions for research grants for all state-owned universities as part of efforts to strengthen academic research, innovation and institutional development.
Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, disclosed this on Thursday, during an oversight tour of UNIDEL and DELSU.
At DELSU, Prof. Tonukari said the contractor handling the Senate building project has already been mobilised with 40 percent of the contract sum, raising hopes that the facility, which has remained abandoned for years, would soon be completed.
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He also disclosed that approval has been granted for the construction of 500-capacity male and female hostels at the university, with the contracts expected to be awarded shortly.
The commissioner said the state government is equally concerned about the university’s huge electricity expenditure, noting that DELSU currently spends about N54 million monthly on electricity.
He said the electricity burden, alongside other capital projects requiring government intervention, would be presented to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for consideration.
Prof. Tonukari reiterated the state government’s commitment to investing in the development of DELSU, urging the university to strengthen its research capacity and pursue innovative projects capable of enhancing its visibility and competitiveness globally.
At UNIDEL, the commissioner announced the approval of two new hostels for male and female students.
According to him, the contract for the male hostel has already been awarded, while approval had been secured for the construction of the female hostel.
He further disclosed that the Ministry of Higher Education has made provisions in its budget for research grants across all state-owned universities.
Prof. Tonukari urged the institutions to intensify research and innovation, particularly projects capable of addressing societal challenges and contributing to the economic and social development of Delta State.
He said the development of research capacity remains a priority of the Oborevwori administration, adding that universities should also explore opportunities to improve their internally generated revenue.
On staff welfare at UNIDEL, the commissioner said the governor has approved the payment of outstanding salary arrears by the end of September 2026.
He appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNIDEL chapter, to continue to engage the government in resolving outstanding issues and avoid industrial action that could disrupt academic activities.
The Vice-Chancellor of UNIDEL, Prof. Eric Eboh, said the institution has commenced online admissions and released its first merit list, adding that the admission process was still ongoing.
He said the university is implementing its five-pillar agenda, covering research and innovation, academic excellence, ICT optimisation, staff development and welfare, and an enabling environment.
At DELSU, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Asagba, said the institution is undergoing reforms but facing challenges, including outstanding government refunds and inadequate staffing following the creation of new faculties and departments.
Prof. Asagba, who described DELSU as the number one state-owned university in Nigeria, also appealed to the state government to ban sign-out celebrations by graduating students, describing the practice as a security threat.
