Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has approved the construction of male and female hostel blocks across nine state owned tertiary institutions to address accommodation challenges faced by thousands of students.
Godknows Angele, State Commissioner for Housing, assured that the Ministry of Housing would ensure effective supervision and timely delivery of the approved projects through diligent monitoring.
Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, State Commissioner for Higher Education, disclosed the development while briefing journalists at the end of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Oborevwori at the weekend.
The Executive Council approved the construction of two hostel blocks, one for male students and one for female students, in each of the nine state owned tertiary institutions.
Professor Tonukari described the decision as a milestone for students and their parents, noting that the surge in the state's tertiary student population has significantly strained existing accommodation facilities.
He revealed that recent figures presented during the convocation ceremonies of the three newly established universities in the state showed that the three institutions alone currently have approximately 40,000 students.
Delta State University, Abraka, currently enrolls over 35,000 students, while its hostel facilities accommodate only approximately 2,000 students, according to the Commissioner.
The newer universities have even fewer hostel spaces, capable of housing only a few hundred students, Tonukari further revealed.
The council also approved the reconstruction and completion of the abandoned Senate Building at Delta State University, Abraka, with the Commissioner disclosing that the project was originally awarded in 2010 but has remained uncompleted until the latest intervention by the state government.
"Today, that building has been approved for reconstruction and completion, which is very good news for the university," Tonukari stated.
This initiative is part of Governor Oborevwori's effort to reduce accommodation shortages and enhance the learning environment for students. The approvals reflect the Delta State Government's commitment to strengthening infrastructure, especially in education. The Ministry of Housing will ensure efficient and timely project execution.
