The Delta State Government has given approval for the construction of male and female hostels in nine state-owned tertiary institutions in a bid to tackle the growing accommodation problems faced by students.
The State Commissioner for Higher Education, Nyerhovwo Tonukari, made this known while addressing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Tonukari described the move as a significant relief for both students and their parents, noting that the steady increase in student enrollment across the state’s higher institutions has made the provision of additional hostel space a pressing need.
He explained that figures presented during the recent convocation ceremonies of the three newly established universities in the state show that the institutions already have a combined student population of about 40,000.
According to him, the growing number of students has placed considerable strain on the limited hostel facilities currently available within the universities.
Tonukari added that Delta State University, Abraka, alone has more than 35,000 students, yet its existing hostels can only house around 2,000. He pointed out that the newer universities have even fewer accommodation spaces, with facilities that can only cater to a few hundred students.
To address the situation, he said the State Executive Council approved the construction of two hostel blocks in each of the nine state-owned tertiary institutions—one designated for male students and the other for female students.
He noted that the project is part of Governor Oborevwori’s broader effort to reduce accommodation shortages and create a more conducive learning environment in tertiary institutions across the state.
Tonukari also revealed that the council approved the reconstruction and completion of the abandoned Senate Building project at Delta State University, Abraka.
He explained that the Senate Building contract was initially awarded in 2010 but had been abandoned for years before the state government decided to step in.
“Today, that building has been approved for reconstruction and completion, which is very good news for the university,” Tonukari said.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Housing, Godknows Angele, assured that the Ministry of Housing would closely monitor the projects to ensure they are completed on schedule.
He stated that the ministry would provide effective supervision to guarantee that the projects are properly executed and delivered within the agreed timeframe.
Government officials said the approvals are part of the Delta State Government’s wider efforts to improve infrastructure across critical sectors, especially education.
