Delta Govt Approves Two New Hostels for UNIDEL — Tonukari

The Delta State Government has approved the construction of two new hostel facilities at the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, as part of efforts to strengthen infrastructure, improve students’ welfare and consolidate the rapid transformation taking place at the institution.

The State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerovwo Johnbull Tonukari, disclosed this on Monday, September 1, 2026, when he led a high-powered delegation from the Ministry of Higher Education on an oversight visit to the University.

Tonukari said the hostels, which would cater for both male and female students, were approved by the Executive Governor of Delta State and Visitor to UNIDEL, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, stressing that the project underscored the administration’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for teaching, learning and student development.

The Commissioner’s announcement came against the backdrop of growing students enrolment and the University’s expanding academic programmes, making accommodation one of the critical areas requiring sustained government intervention.

He also disclosed that the Delta State Government had established a research and innovation grant scheme to support tertiary institutions in the state, urging academic staff of UNIDEL to take advantage of the opportunity and submit applications.

Tonukari assured the University of the Ministry’s support in the area of academic programme accreditation, noting that the state government remained committed to ensuring that its universities attained and sustained standards capable of competing nationally and internationally.

The Commissioner further urged the university management to intensify sensitisation among students on the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), calling for massive participation by eligible students.

He explained that Delta State was a significant contributor to the NELFUND initiative and therefore expected students in the state, including those of UNIDEL, to take full advantage of the intervention.

“We are happy with what is going on in UNIDEL. What we want in our universities is excellence, and I congratulate the Vice-Chancellor on his appointment and achievements so far,” Tonukari said.

He stressed that UNIDEL students must be major beneficiaries of NELFUND, adding that the scheme could provide important financial relief to students and their families.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIDEL, Prof. Eric Eboh, described the institution as one of the fastest-growing universities in sub-Saharan Africa, while highlighting the transformation taking place across the University.

Eboh used the occasion to acquaint the visiting delegation with the university’s Project RAISE UNIDEL strategy, which he said had become a major driver of innovation, institutional development and the creation of a stronger digital ecosystem within the university.

According to him, the strategy has continued to generate initiatives aimed at improving academic delivery, research, digitalisation, and the overall university experience.

The Vice-Chancellor also expressed appreciation to the Commissioner and the Delta State Ministry of Higher Education for what he described as their unparalleled dedication to the development of higher education in the state.

The oversight meeting brought together the principal officers of the university, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Patrick Ijeh; Registrar, Dr. Esther Akpojuvie; Bursar, Dr. Sunny Ikeogwu; University Librarian, Dr. Vera Okonoko; as well as newly appointed and reappointed Deans.

The Commissioner was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary and other senior officials of the Delta State Ministry of Higher Education.