The Delta State Government has disclosed that the process for the implementation of an improved salary structure for academic staff in its tertiary institutions is nearing completion, with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori expected to give final approval soon.
The Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, disclosed this on Tuesday during a working visit to Southern Delta University (SDU), Ozoro, where he commended the institution for its rapid growth and impressive infrastructural development.
Tonukari, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher Education, praised the university's steady progress under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, describing him as a focused and visionary administrator committed to positioning the institution among Nigeria's leading universities.
He urged members of the university community to continue supporting the Vice-Chancellor in his drive to strengthen academic excellence, research, innovation and quality service delivery.
The commissioner also reaffirmed the Oborevwori administration's commitment to the continued development of state-owned tertiary institutions, assuring the university that government remained committed to providing the infrastructure and resources needed to sustain quality education.
Responding to concerns raised by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) over its salary proposal, Tonukari said government had received the union's submission and would address the issues in phases.
He appealed to members of the union to remain patient, explaining that the ongoing salary review for academic staff would be concluded before other requests were considered.
On students' welfare, the commissioner urged members of staff to sensitise students on the opportunities provided by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), noting that the scheme had become an important intervention for indigent students seeking access to higher education.
The university's Bursar informed the commissioner that more than 4,000 students of Southern Delta University had already benefited from the loan scheme, a development Tonukari described as encouraging.
Addressing infrastructure needs, the commissioner assured the university that government would expedite the procurement process for the second phase of furniture supply following an appeal by the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences for furniture to enable full occupation of its facilities.
He also reaffirmed government's commitment to the proposed Faculty of Law complex, assuring the university community that the project remained a priority and would be executed.
Tonukari further announced that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had approved the construction of 500-bed male and 500-bed female hostels in each of the state's universities, including Southern Delta University, to improve students' accommodation, welfare and campus security.
The commissioner expressed satisfaction with the increasing student population after observing large numbers of students leaving examination halls during the visit, describing it as evidence of the university's steady growth and rising profile.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Awhefeada, thanked the commissioner for the visit and expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government for its sustained support for the institution.
He reaffirmed the university's commitment to becoming a centre of excellence in teaching, research, innovation and community service.
The visit ended with members of the university management expressing appreciation to the Oborevwori administration for its continued investment in the growth and development of higher education in Delta State.
