Gov. Oborevwori Disburses Over N100bn to Higher Institutions as Student Enrolment Skyrockets in Delta

Over N100 billion has been committed in the development of higher education in Delta State, a development which has enable a surge in student enrolment across its nine tertiary institutions.

The State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Johnbull Tonukari, disclosed this on Thursday as a guest at the Distinguished Scholar Lecture Series of Southern Delta University, Orerokpe Campus, saying so far enrollment has risen from 55,000 to over 100,000 within the lifespan of the current administration.

Staff and management of Southern Delta University, Orerokpe Campus posed in photograph with State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Johnbull Tonukari

A cross section of participants at the event

“Our Governor is deeply passionate about education. When he assumed office, the total student population across our nine state-owned tertiary institutions was about 55,000. Today, that figure has grown to slightly above 100,000. This did not happen by accident; it is the result of deliberate policies and strategic reforms” he stated. “

He explained that the over ₦100 billion budgetary provision would be channelled into infrastructure upgrades, improved learning facilities, staff development and expanded access to tertiary education.

“That allocation will be spent prudently and transparently to strengthen our institutions. We are determined to raise standards and make our universities and colleges more competitive,” Tonukari added.

The Commissioner also disclosed that nearly 1,000 academic and non-academic staff have been recruited to support the expansion and improve service delivery.

Highlighting the significance of the Orerokpe Campus, he described it as a visionary project designed to decentralise access to higher education.

“This campus represents the Governor’s vision of bringing tertiary education closer to the people. Orerokpe will benefit greatly from this investment. It stands as a symbol of inclusive educational development,” he said.

In his keynote lecture titled Cultural Constellations and Intersections in Virtual Space, Professor Hope Eghagha of the University of Lagos urged students to harness the power of digital platforms for cultural expression and economic empowerment.

He encouraged young people to deploy their digital skills for legitimate and creative ventures, stressing that the online space offers immense opportunities for innovation and self-development.

“The smartphone in your hand is more than a communication device; it is a gateway to the world,” Eghagha remarked. “You can create content, promote your culture, and engage globally from wherever you are.”

He noted that several students now support themselves financially through content creation and digital entrepreneurship, describing the virtual space as a democratised arena for knowledge and opportunity.

“The same intelligence used for negative activities can be redirected towards productive endeavours. With focus and integrity, young people can build sustainable careers in the digital economy,” he said.

Eghagha further called for mentorship initiatives and structured training programmes to help youths navigate the digital landscape responsibly and profitably.

Also speaking, the Dean of the Postgraduate School, Delta State University, Abraka, Professor Sunny Awhefeada, observed that digital transformation has reshaped academic research and broadened the scope of scholarly engagement.

“Access to digital resources has expanded what is academically permissible and intellectually viable,” Awhefeada said. “Government must integrate digital culture into long-term development strategies, as the future of education and research is undeniably technology-driven.”

The event underscored the growing alignment between educational reform and digital innovation, positioning Delta State as a proactive player in Nigeria’s evolving higher education landscape.