By Mokobia Rita
OZORO/Nigeria: Lecturers in Delta State-owned tertiary institutions could soon begin earning enhanced salaries as the state government moves to conclude a review of their remuneration package aimed at improving staff welfare and strengthening higher education.
The proposed salary structure has reached the final stage of the approval process and is awaiting the endorsement of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, disclosed on Tuesday during a working visit to Southern Delta University (SDU), Ozoro.
Tonukari said the salary review forms part of broader efforts by the state government to create a more conducive environment for teaching, learning and research in state-owned tertiary institutions, noting that improved welfare remains essential to attracting and retaining quality academic personnel.
The commissioner, who toured facilities at the university, commended the institution’s steady growth in infrastructure, academic programmes and student population, describing its progress as evidence of purposeful leadership and sound management.
He praised the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, for what he described as remarkable achievements recorded within a relatively short period and urged lecturers, non-teaching staff and students to sustain their support for the university’s development.
According to him, continued collaboration among management, staff and students is necessary to consolidate the institution’s progress and strengthen its reputation as a centre for quality teaching, research and innovation.
Addressing concerns raised by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) over staff welfare, Tonukari confirmed that the government had received the union’s salary proposal and was reviewing the submission.
He explained that while the ongoing salary review currently focuses on academic staff, other welfare-related issues presented by the union would be considered in phases.
The commissioner appealed to staff to exercise patience, assuring them that the state government remained committed to improving working conditions across its tertiary institutions.
On student support, Tonukari urged the university management to intensify awareness of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying the initiative has continued to reduce financial barriers to higher education.
He expressed satisfaction after learning that more than 4,000 students of Southern Delta University had already accessed the loan scheme, describing the level of participation as encouraging.
The visit also provided an opportunity to review ongoing infrastructure projects and future development plans for the institution.
Responding to requests from the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, the commissioner assured the university that the procurement process for the second phase of furniture supply would be accelerated to enable full utilisation of newly completed facilities.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constructing the proposed Faculty of Law complex, saying the project remains on the state’s development agenda.
Tonukari further disclosed that Governor Oborevwori had approved the construction of separate 500-bed hostels for male and female students in each of the state’s universities to address accommodation shortages, improve students’ welfare and enhance campus security.
He said the large number of students observed during examinations reflected growing public confidence in Southern Delta University and its expanding academic profile.
Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sunny Awhefeada thanked the commissioner for the visit and acknowledged the continued support of the Delta State Government towards the institution’s development.
Awhefeada said the university would continue to build on its achievements in teaching, research, innovation and community engagement while producing graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and character required for national development.
