THE Delta State Government has commended the management of Southern Delta University (SDU), Ozoro, for its impressive infrastructural development and strong emphasis on practical learning, describing the institution as a model of effective university management.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, made the commendation during an inspection tour of ongoing and completed projects at the university ahead of its maiden convocation next month.
Aniagwu lauded the Vice Chancellor, Jacob Oboreh, for sustaining and deepening the transformation of the institution from its days as a polytechnic, noting that his reappointment was a well-considered decision that has continued to yield positive results.
He said the peaceful academic environment and absence of industrial actions at SDU reflected deliberate efforts by the state government and the institution’s management to provide adequate facilities and conducive working conditions for staff and students.
The commissioner noted the free interaction of students and staff across the campus without tension, saying the vice chancellor’s ability to move around without heavy security underscored the trust and cordial relationship between management and the university community.
He disclosed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was pleased with the management and infrastructural growth at SDU, a development he said made it easier for the government to provide timely subventions for the payment of salaries and emoluments, saying about four years after its establishment, the university has a student population of over 13,000, due to effective planning and availability of modern facilities.
Describing SDU as “more than a community but a growing town,” Aniagwu said the institution was playing a critical role in preparing the next generation of Deltans for leadership responsibilities, highlighting its strong commitment to hands-on training, with students actively involved in construction projects across the campus, earning stipends while acquiring practical skills.
On the quality of construction works, the commissioner said projects executed by the university had passed durability and integrity tests, citing interlocked roads constructed two years ago that have remained intact, despite heavy vehicular traffic.
He dismissed doubts previously expressed about the state’s ability to manage and fund multiple universities, insisting: “We have shown that Delta State has the capacity to run its universities and run them well.”
In his remarks, Commissioner for Higher Education, Nyerhovwo Tonukari, said SDU was fully prepared to commence postgraduate programmes, following his inspection of facilities across the campus.
Tonukari stated that the rapid growth of the institution was a clear reflection of the state government’s “opportunities for all” agenda in the education sector, as the student population figure represents thousands of young people productively engaged in academic pursuits, rather than being idle.
He explained that although the state-owned universities are designed to operate autonomously, the government has continued to provide strong institutional support by paying lecturers’ salaries and funding critical needs, including accreditation exercises.
He commended Oboreh and management for the prudent use of internally generated revenue (IGR) in driving infrastructure development, explaining that the university had secured National Universities Commission (NUC) approval for additional academic programmes.
Oboreh, attributed the institution’s rapid infrastructural strides to prudent resource management, strong government support and strategic partnerships with donors and stakeholders.
He said government funding alone was insufficient to meet the demands of a modern university, stressing that SDU had deliberately complemented state funding with IGR and donor support, guided by strict accountability and value-for-money principles.
Projects inspected include the Principal Officers’ Quarters; a two-storey Faculty of Science complex executed through direct labour and fully furnished with 126 staff offices, well-equipped laboratories, two lecture theatres and an ICT centre; and a block of science laboratories housing eight laboratories to strengthen practical learning.
He also disclosed that a 1,200-seater ultra-modern auditorium abandoned since 2012 was completed and furnished by the university and now accommodating two lecture halls and 17 staff offices.
On student welfare, Oboreh disclosed that the university recently completed two hostel blocks of male and female hostsls, with a combined capacity of about 1,000 students, noting that on-campus accommodation was prioritised due to security concerns in the host community.
He further acknowledged government support in developing the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and the ultra-modern Orerokpe Campus, which houses the Central Administrative Building, Faculties of Arts, Social Sciences and Law, staff housing, solar-powered electricity and a comprehensive water reticulation system.
He stated that accreditation teams from the NUC recently rated the Orerokpe Campus as one of the best it had seen in recent times, confirming that it met all requirements as a complete campus of SDU.
The vice chancellor urged collective ownership of the institution, stressing that SDU belongs to all stakeholders.
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