New Hostels, NELFUND Drive & Power Relief On Agenda As Delta Moves To Strengthen DOU

By AMANDA EZE

Hostels to Address Student Welfare Needs

DELTA State Government has approved the construction of male and female hostels for students of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba.

The approval represents another infrastructure intervention at the state-owned university as the government seeks to improve student welfare and support the institution’s continued development.

The Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, announced the development during a supervisory visit to the university on Monday.

He said the government would soon begin the process of awarding contracts for the construction of the facilities.

The project is expected to expand accommodation options and provide students with improved living conditions.

Government Reviews University Needs

Tonukari visited the institution with the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher Education, Mrs. Felicia Ronu-Orugboh.

The delegation assessed developments at the university and received briefings on its challenges and priority needs.

The commissioner said the state government remained committed to strengthening tertiary education through infrastructure development and institutional support.

He also congratulated Prof. Samuel Ovuete Aghalino on his appointment as Vice-Chancellor and Mrs. Florence Nweke on her appointment as Registrar.

Tonukari further announced that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had approved the constitution of a new Governing Council for the university.

The development is expected to support the institution’s governance and provide strategic direction for its future growth.

Agriculture Identified as Potential Area of Strength

The commissioner challenged DOU to develop an agricultural initiative capable of becoming a defining project for the university.

He urged the management to identify areas where the institution enjoys a comparative advantage and build programmes around those strengths.

According to him, a successful flagship project could attract wider recognition while creating opportunities for research, innovation and economic development.

Tonukari said universities increasingly need to connect academic activities with practical solutions to social and economic challenges.

For DOU, agriculture could provide one such opportunity.

Students Urged to Explore NELFUND

Student financing also featured prominently during the visit.

Tonukari directed the university management to intensify awareness of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund among students.

He said eligible students should understand how to access the scheme and take advantage of the financial support available to them.

The programme provides financial assistance towards educational expenses and includes a monthly stipend of ₦20,000 for qualified beneficiaries.

According to the commissioner, effective sensitisation could help reduce the financial pressure facing students and prevent some from abandoning their education because of economic difficulties.

He therefore urged the university to conduct sustained awareness campaigns and ensure that students understand the application process.

₦18 Million Monthly Electricity Challenge

While welcoming the government delegation, Vice-Chancellor Aghalino identified electricity as one of the university’s most significant challenges.

He disclosed that DOU spends more than ₦18 million every month on electricity.

The expenditure places considerable pressure on the university’s finances and affects the resources available for other academic activities.

The Vice-Chancellor said departments that depend heavily on laboratories and specialised equipment particularly require stable electricity.

He cited the Department of Anatomy as one of the academic areas where uninterrupted power is essential for teaching, research and practical work.

University Seeks Connection to Delta IPP

Aghalino appealed to the state government to connect the university to the state-owned Independent Power Plant.

He argued that access to the IPP could reduce the institution’s energy costs and provide a more stable power supply.

Tonukari assured the university that the request, alongside other issues raised during the visit, would be presented to Governor Oborevwori for consideration.

For the university, the outcome of that request could significantly affect its operational costs and academic environment.

Management Points to Early Reforms

The Vice-Chancellor also outlined steps his administration has taken since assuming office.

He said the management had focused on restoring sanitation, discipline and orderliness across the university.

Some official vehicles have also undergone refurbishment and returned to service.

According to Aghalino, the measures aim to improve efficiency and ensure that available resources support the university’s academic mission.

The approval of new hostels, the push for greater NELFUND awareness and discussions around electricity supply point to several issues shaping the university’s development agenda.

As Delta State continues to invest in the institution, DOU faces the challenge of converting government support into stronger academic programmes, improved student welfare and practical innovations.

For students, however, the proposed hostels and expanded awareness of financial support schemes could provide some of the most immediate benefits of the new interventions.