Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, on Monday, announced the state government’s approval of newhostel facilities for students of the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, and Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, while the long-abandoned DELSU Senate Building has also been re-awarded for completion
The Commissioner stated this during his oversight tour of the state-owned universities, which took him to UNIDEL, Agbor and DELSU, Abraka.
At UNIDEL, the Commissioner was received by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Eric Eboh, alongside principal officers of the institution. The visit coincided with the university’s annual Day of Prayer and the assumption of duties by newly appointed Deans of Faculties.
Addressing the university community, Professor Tonukari commended UNIDEL for its progress and reiterated the commitment of the Sheriff Oborevwori administration to research and innovation. He disclosed that the Ministry of Higher Education has made budgetary provision for research grants for all state-owned universities and urged the institution to strengthen research while leveraging internally generated revenue.
The Commissioner announced that UNIDEL will benefit from two new hostels for male and female students. He said that the contract for the male hostel has been awarded, while approval has been secured for the female hostel. He also encouraged students to access the Federal Government’s NELFUND loan scheme, which covers tuition and provides a monthly stipend of N20,000.
Speaking on staff welfare, the commissioner acknowledged ASUU, UNIDEL Chapter and stated that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved the payment of outstanding salary arrears by the end of September 2026. He urged the union to continue supporting the government to avoid any form of industrial action.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Eric Eboh, informed the Commissioner that UNIDEL had commenced online admissions and released its first merit list, that the admission was still on-going. He also restated the institution’s five-pillar RAISE agenda, comprising Research and Innovation, Academic Excellence, ICT Optimisation, Staff Development and Welfare, and an Enabling Environment.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs. Felicia Mbah, Dean of Postgraduate Studies, who appreciated the state government’s support and called for sustained efforts to improve UNIDEL’s ranking.
At DELSU Abraka, the Commissioner was received by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Asagba.in his remarks, Professor Tonukari assured that all issues raised would be forwarded to the Governor. He announced that the long-abandoned Senate Building has been re-awarded, with the contractor mobilized with 40% of the contract sum. He also disclosed that approval has been given for 500-capacity hostels for male and female students, with contract award to follow shortly. The Commissioner added that the issue of electricity, with a monthly bill of N54 million, and other capital projects will be communicated to the Governor for intervention.
He also emphasized that the Delta State Government remains committed to investing in DELSU and urged the university to pursue research and projects that will boost its global visibility.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor noted that DELSU is currently ranked as the number one state-owned university in Nigeria. He said the university is undergoing reforms but faces challenges including outstanding government refunds, and the need for additional staffing due to the creation of new faculties and departments. He also raised concerns over “sign-out” celebrations by graduating students, describing them as a security threat, and appealed for a government ban on the practice.
The Commissioner was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Felicia Rume Urugbo, and other top officers of the Ministry of Higher Education during the t
