Students across Delta State have welcomed the state government’s approval of new hostel facilities for the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, and Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, describing the initiative as a potential relief from years of accommodation shortages, overcrowding and rising off-campus housing costs. However, the announcement has also renewed attention on the condition of existing university facilities and the need to ensure that the approved projects are delivered without delay.
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Key Highlights
- Delta Government approves new male and female hostel facilities for UNIDEL and DELSU.
- UNIDEL’s male hostel contract has been awarded, while approval has been secured for a female hostel.
- DELSU has received approval for 500-capacity male and female hostels.
- The long-abandoned DELSU Senate Building project has been re-awarded for completion.
- DELSU reportedly spends ₦54 million monthly on electricity.
- Students are expected to watch for timely construction, improved facilities and affordable accommodation.
Oborevwori Administration Approves New University Hostels
Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, announced the interventions on Monday during an oversight visit to UNIDEL and DELSU. He was accompanied by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Felicia Rume Urugbo, and other senior officials.
The visit follows the State Executive Council’s earlier approval of male and female hostel blocks for the state’s nine tertiary institutions.
At UNIDEL in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, the delegation was received by Vice Chancellor, Professor Eric Eboh, and other principal officers during the university’s annual Day of Prayer and the assumption of duties by newly appointed faculty deans.
Tonukari praised the institution’s development and reaffirmed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration’s commitment to research, innovation and improved higher education.
He disclosed that budgetary provisions had been made for research grants across state-owned universities, urging UNIDEL to strengthen its research activities and improve internally generated revenue.
On accommodation, the commissioner confirmed that the contract for a male hostel had been awarded, while approval had been secured for a female hostel.
He also encouraged students to take advantage of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme, which covers tuition fees and provides eligible beneficiaries with a monthly stipend of ₦20,000.
Tonukari further disclosed that Governor Oborevwori had approved the payment of outstanding salary arrears by the end of September 2026. He commended the UNIDEL chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities and urged the union to support the government in preventing industrial disruption.
UNIDEL Reports Admission Progress, Seeks Improved Research Support
Speaking during the visit, Vice Chancellor Professor Eric Eboh disclosed that online admissions had commenced, with the first merit list already released and the admission process ongoing.
He also highlighted the university’s five-pillar RAISE Agenda, which focuses on Research and Innovation, Academic Excellence, ICT Optimisation, Staff Development and Welfare, and an Enabling Environment.
Dean of Postgraduate Studies, Mrs Felicia Mbah, appreciated the state government’s support but called for sustained investment to improve the university’s academic standing and ranking.
DELSU Gets Approval for 1,000-Capacity Hostel Facilities
At DELSU in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area, Vice Chancellor Professor Samuel Asagba and other university officials received the commissioner, who promised to forward the institution’s concerns to Governor Oborevwori for consideration.
Tonukari disclosed that the contractor handling the university’s Senate Building project had received 40 per cent mobilisation, following the re-award of the previously abandoned project.
He also confirmed that approval had been granted for male and female hostels with a combined capacity of 500 each, bringing the proposed accommodation capacity to 1,000 students. The contracts are expected to be awarded shortly.
The commissioner said DELSU’s reported monthly electricity bill of ₦54 million, alongside other capital-project requirements, would be presented to the governor for possible intervention.
Professor Asagba said the university, which he described as Nigeria’s number-one state-owned university, was implementing institutional reforms but still required the settlement of outstanding government refunds and additional academic and non-academic staff following the creation of new faculties and departments.
He also raised concerns over students’ graduation sign-out celebrations, describing the practice as a security threat and asking the state government to consider banning it.
Hostel Approval Renews Concerns Over Conditions at DELSU
While the government’s announcement has generated optimism, it has also brought renewed attention to complaints about the state of existing facilities at Delta State University.
In a post on X, a user identified as @___Thanos criticised the condition of DELSU hostels, classrooms and medical centres, alleging that the facilities were inadequate and unsuitable for students.
The post reflects concerns that have featured in campus discussions, including overcrowded accommodation, rising private hostel rents and the difficulties students face in securing decent housing.
Direct student reactions to the latest hostel approval have so far been limited, but the demand for more accommodation has been a recurring issue among students.
The pressure is also linked to reported enrolment growth, from about 50,000 students in 2023 to more than 100,000 in 2026, increasing the demand for housing and other campus facilities.
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Can the New Hostels Address Students’ Accommodation Challenges?
The approvals represent a major development in the state government’s higher education plans, but the announcement also raises questions about implementation, completion timelines, maintenance and affordability.
For students, the real impact will depend on how quickly construction begins, when the facilities become operational and whether accommodation charges remain within reach of ordinary families.
The Oborevwori administration has presented the projects as part of its broader investment in education, alongside staff welfare initiatives, technical education expansion and school rehabilitation.
As the projects move towards implementation, students and university communities will be looking beyond government announcements to see tangible improvements in accommodation, learning conditions and campus welfare.
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