Delta Approves New Hostels, Research Grants For DELSU, UNIDEL
By UCHE OGBODO
DELTA State Government has re-awarded the long-abandoned Senate Building project at Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, while approving new student hostels for DELSU and the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor.
The government also approved budgetary provisions for research grants across all state-owned universities.
The Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, disclosed this on Thursday during an oversight tour of the two institutions.
Senate Building Gets Fresh Push
At DELSU, Tonukari said the contractor handling the Senate Building had received 40 per cent of the contract sum.
He said the mobilisation raised hopes that the long-abandoned project would soon be completed.
The government has also approved 500-capacity male and female hostels for DELSU. Tonukari said the contracts would be awarded shortly.
However, he noted that the university still faces a major electricity burden.
According to him, DELSU spends about ₦54 million monthly on electricity. He said the ministry would present the issue and other capital needs to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for consideration.
Tonukari urged DELSU to strengthen research and develop innovative projects that can improve its global visibility and competitiveness.
UNIDEL Gets New Hostels
At UNIDEL, the commissioner announced approval for two new hostels for male and female students.
He said the contract for the male hostel had already been awarded, while the government had approved the female hostel.
Tonukari also disclosed that the Ministry of Higher Education had provided research grants for all state-owned universities.
He urged the institutions to focus on research and innovation that can solve societal problems and support Delta’s economic and social development.
The commissioner added that universities should explore ways to increase their internally generated revenue.
Salary Arrears, Student Support
Tonukari said Governor Oborevwori had approved the payment of UNIDEL’s outstanding salary arrears by the end of September 2026.
He appealed to the UNIDEL chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to continue engaging the government rather than resorting to industrial action.
The commissioner also encouraged students to access the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme. He said the scheme provides tuition support and a monthly ₦20,000 stipend.
Universities Outline Priorities
UNIDEL Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Eboh, said the university had started online admissions and released its first merit list.
He said admissions remained ongoing. The institution is also implementing its five-pillar RAISE agenda, covering research and innovation, academic excellence, ICT optimisation, staff development and welfare, and an enabling environment.
At DELSU, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Samuel Asagba said the university was undergoing reforms but still faced challenges.
He cited outstanding government refunds and staffing gaps following the creation of new faculties and departments.
Asagba also appealed to the state government to ban “sign-out” celebrations by graduating students, describing them as a security threat.
Tonukari visited the institutions alongside the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Felicia Rume Orugbo, and other senior officials.
