- Funds Earmarked For Construction Of Student Hostels, Others In UNIDEL, DSUST, DELSU
By Ifeanyi Uwagwu/Jumai Nwachukwu
Delta State ministries of Higher Education and Secondary Education have jointly proposed the sum of N54.26 billion in 2025.
While the Ministry of Higher Education proposed the sum of N32,000,000,000 as the ministry’s capital expenditure for the 2025 fiscal year, that of Secondary Education has proposed a budget of N17.36 billion.
The Higher Education proposal was presented by the Commissioner, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari before the Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Education, headed by Hon. Charles Emetulu.
Presenting the budget, Tonukari remarked that the budget was designed to strictly adhere to the policy thrust and objectives of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration.
He mentioned some of the highlights of the proposed budget to include the special upgrades of the three newly established universities for N7.5 billion. The special upgrade would facilitate the accreditation of the courses by the National Universities Commission (NUC), to boost the admission capacity of the institutions.
The ministry is also proposing the sum of N1.5 billion for the construction of administrative building and the purchase of vehicles and boats for the school of Marine Technology, Burutu, as the institution which was upgraded to a polytechnic since November 2021, is currently lacking those critical facilities.
The ministry would also embark on new projects in the next fiscal year, including the construction of student hostels and residential apartments at the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro and at the state’s premier university, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.
Furthermore, the ministry intends to embark on perimeter fencing of the state polytechnics at Otefe-Oghara and Ogwashi-Uku, to enhance security and protect lives and properties on the campuses, while also intending to buy a fishing trawler for the State Maritime Polytechnic at a proposed cost of N1 billion.
In his remarks, Hon. Emetulu commended the Commissioner and his ministry for striving to implement the MORE Agenda of the current administration.
He also commended the ministry for a budget performance of 54 per cent in the current fiscal year, which he described as previously unheard of in the ministry in recent times.
We’re Aiming To Consolidate, Accelerate New Initiatives -Ezewu
..Proposes N17.36bn For 2025
BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
In a related development, the State Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu has proposed the sum N17.36 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, saying that the ministry is aiming to consolidate ongoing projects and accelerate new initiatives in the critical sector.
Presenting the proposal to the House Committee on Education, the commissioner highlighted the ministry’s commitment to advancing secondary education under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration. The proposed budget includes allocations for personnel costs, overheads, and capital expenditures, reflecting a strategic focus on infrastructure development, staff welfare, and operational improvements.
The commissioner urged the committee to consider the proposal favourably, noting that it aligns with the administration’s goal to strengthen the education system and ensure better outcomes for students and teachers across the state. The Committee Chair, Hon. Charles Emetulu, commended the Commissioner for her presence before the committee, as she was previously indisposed.
He urged the ministry to improve their budgetary performance, stating that the impact of the lower levels of education is what rubs off on the tertiary institutions and determines the trajectory of the future of the state.
Hon. Emetulu also called for a thorough NEEDS assessment through physical and on-site scoping of schools across the state to ensure that those with actual needs are catered for.
