Delta State Government has stepped up infrastructure development across its four state-owned universities to cope with rising student enrolment and provide a better learning environment.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this on Saturday after inspecting the Faculty of Management Sciences and Social Sciences building at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba.
Aniagwu, who inspected the project alongside the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, and the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Samuel Aghalino, said the facility was part of the infrastructure expansion programme of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration.
He said the increasing number of students seeking admission into the state-owned universities had made the provision of additional lecture halls, offices and other facilities imperative.
According to him, the government was not only focused on recruiting and retaining staff but was equally concerned about providing the infrastructure required to support the growing student population.
Aniagwu said similar projects were being executed in the other state-owned universities, particularly institutions established around the same period as Dennis Osadebay University, with projects spread across the three senatorial districts.
“What we have observed is that there are a few things they need to put finishing touches to. But, on the whole, we are very much impressed with the quality of work,” he said.
The commissioner said the administration would remain focused on governance and project delivery despite the increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections
He said: “Our campaign is going to be evidence-based. What we have come here to do is part of that evidence.
“Building structures like this is not only to give the university infrastructure. It is also aimed at ensuring that the purchasing power of our people is enhanced".
Also speaking, Tonukari said the infrastructure programme was designed to meet the changing needs of the state’s tertiary institutions, particularly as student enrolment continues to increase.
He said the government established three universities to expand access to tertiary education and cater for the growing number of Deltans seeking admission.
“For the students, I can tell you that they are very happy. If you look back, three universities were commissioned at the same time to take care of the high number of Deltans seeking admission,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aghalino, described the project as a major boost to the university, saying the facility would provide essential academic and administrative spaces for students and lecturers.
He described the building as a state-of-the-art facility equipped with a library and other modern facilities, adding that it would significantly address the university’s infrastructure challenges.
“I can tell you it’s a state-of-the-art building. And we are grateful to the governor,” he said.
