The Delta State Government has approved the construction of male and female hostels at Dennis Osadebay University (DOU), Asaba, as part of efforts to improve infrastructure and students’ welfare.
Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, disclosed this on Monday during a supervisory visit to the university to assess its development and challenges.
Tonukari said the process for awarding contracts for the two hostel projects would commence shortly, adding that the initiative reflected the state government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for students.
He also urged the university management to intensify awareness among students on the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme, which provides financial support to eligible students.
According to him, beneficiaries are entitled to assistance towards tuition fees as well as a monthly stipend of N20,000.
The commissioner congratulated the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Ovuete Aghalino, and Registrar, Mrs Florence Nweke, and disclosed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had approved the constitution of a new Governing Council for the institution.
Tonukari further challenged the university to exploit its agricultural potential by developing innovative projects and programmes that could attract national and international recognition.
He said the institution should identify areas of comparative advantage and turn them into flagship projects capable of contributing to Delta State’s socio-economic development.
He also assured the management that concerns raised during the visit, including the request for connection to the state-owned Independent Power Plant, would be presented to the governor for consideration.
Earlier, Aghalino said his administration had introduced measures to improve sanitation, discipline and orderliness across the university.
He disclosed that some official vehicles had been refurbished and returned to service, but identified the high cost of electricity as a major challenge, with the institution spending more than N18 million monthly on power.
The Vice-Chancellor appealed to the state government to connect DOU to the state IPP, saying cheaper and more stable electricity would help the university reduce costs and channel resources towards teaching, research and other academic activities.