The Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Hon. Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari and his entourage which comprises the Permanent Secretary Higher Education , on Tuesday, 22 July 2026, paid a working visit to Southern Delta University (SDU), Ozoro, where he commended the remarkable progress recorded by the University under the leadership of the founding Vice-Chancellor been leverage on by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sunny Awhefeada.
Addressing members of the University Management, staff and other stakeholders, the Commissioner disclosed that the processes relating to the improved salary structure for academic staff had been substantially concluded and expressed optimism that the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, would soon give the final approval for implementation.
Hon. Tonukari also praised the impressive infrastructural development across the University, describing the Vice-Chancellor as a focused and visionary leader. He urged the entire University community to continue supporting the Vice-Chancellor in his efforts to position Southern Delta University among the leading institutions in Nigeria.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunny Awhefeada, appreciated the Commissioner for the visit and for the Delta State Government’s continued support for the University. He reaffirmed his commitment to building Southern Delta University into a pacesetter institution renowned for academic excellence, research, innovation and quality service delivery.
During the interactive session, representatives of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) appealed for consideration of their salary proposal. In his response, the Commissioner assured them that Government was aware of their submission and explained that issues would be addressed sequentially to ensure proper processing and implementation. He urged the union to exercise patience, assuring them that their concerns would receive due attention after the current salary adjustment for academic staff had been concluded.
The Commissioner also encouraged members of staff to enlighten students on the importance of accessing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to enable more indigent students finance their education. The University’s Bursar informed him that over 4,000 Southern Delta University students have already benefited from the scheme, a development that delighted the Commissioner.
Speaking on infrastructure, the Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences appealed for the provision of furniture to enable the Faculty fully occupy its facilities. The Commissioner assured the University that the outstanding procurement process for the second phase of furniture supply would be reviewed and expedited.
On the proposed Faculty of Law Complex, Hon. Tonukari assured the University community that Government remains committed to the project and that the Faculty would soon have a befitting complex.
He further announced Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s approval for the construction of 500-bed male and 500-bed female hostels across the state-owned universities, including Southern Delta University, to improve students’ welfare , security and accommodation.
The Commissioner expressed delight at the large number of students on campus after observing them leaving their examination halls, describing it as an encouraging indication of the University’s growing population and steady development.
The visit concluded with a vote of thanks, as members of the University management expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government for its unwavering commitment to advancing higher education in the state.
