Delta State has said that plans to implement an enhanced salary structure for academic staff in its tertiary institutions are at an advanced stage, with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori expected to grant final approval soon.
Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, made the disclosure during a working visit to the Southern Delta University (SDU), Ozoro.
Key Highlights:
- Delta plans a new salary structure for tertiary institution lecturers.
- Governor Oborevwori is expected to approve the proposal soon.
- Government pledged continued investment in state-owned universities.
- New 500-bed male and female hostels are approved for each state university.
- Over 4,000 SDU students have benefited from the NELFUND loan scheme.
He commended the institution for its remarkable growth in infrastructure and academic development, describing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, as a visionary leader whose administration has continued to position the university among the nation’s emerging centres of excellence.
Prof. Tonukari urged members of the university community to continue supporting the vice-chancellor’s efforts to promote academic excellence, research, innovation and efficient service delivery.
He reiterated the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to strengthening state-owned tertiary institutions through sustained investment in infrastructure and other critical educational resources.
Addressing concerns raised by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) over its salary proposal, the commissioner said the government had received the union’s submission and would address its demands in phases.
He appealed to the union to remain patient while the ongoing salary review for academic staff is concluded before other issues are considered.
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On student welfare, Prof. Tonukari encouraged staff to educate students about the opportunities provided by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing the scheme as a vital intervention for indigent students.
He welcomed the disclosure by the university’s bursar that over 4,000 SDU students had already benefited from the loan programme.
The commissioner also assured the university that the procurement process for the second phase of furniture supply would be expedited to enable the faculty of basic medical sciences to fully utilise its facilities.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to constructing the proposed faculty of oaw complex, noting that the project remains a priority.
Prof. Tonukari further revealed that Governor Oborevwori has approved the construction of 500-bed male and 500-bed female hostels in each of the state’s universities, including Southern Delta University, Ozoro, to improve student accommodation, welfare and campus security.
Expressing satisfaction with the institution’s increasing student population after observing large numbers of students leaving examination halls, the commissioner described the development as evidence of the university’s rising profile.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Awhefeada, thanked the commissioner for the visit and commended the state government for its continued support, reaffirming the university’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, innovation and community service.
