DOU Asaba: Delta Approves Male, Female Hostels as Varsity Seeks Relief From N18m Monthly Power Bill

The Delta State Government has approved the construction of male and female hostels at Dennis Osadebay University (DOU), Asaba, as part of efforts to improve infrastructure, students’ welfare and the overall learning environment at the institution.

The Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, disclosed this on Monday during a supervisory visit to the university, where he assessed ongoing developments, identified challenges and reviewed areas requiring immediate government attention.

Tonukari said the process for awarding contracts for the construction of the two hostels would commence shortly, describing the approval as part of the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to improving facilities across Delta State-owned tertiary institutions.

He said the new hostels would provide students with a more conducive living environment and complement the government’s broader investment in education infrastructure.

The commissioner, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Felicia Ronu-Orugboh, also congratulated the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Ovuete Aghalino, and Registrar, Mrs Florence Nweke, on their appointments.

He disclosed that Governor Oborevwori had also approved the constitution of a new Governing Council for Dennis Osadebay University, stressing that the university needed strong leadership and effective governance to achieve its academic objectives.

Tonukari challenges DOU on agriculture

Beyond infrastructure, the commissioner challenged the university management to take advantage of DOU’s agricultural potential by developing a flagship project capable of attracting national and international attention.

He urged the management to identify areas where the institution has comparative advantage, particularly in agriculture, and develop distinctive programmes and projects that could boost the university’s profile while contributing to the socio-economic development of Delta State.

Tonukari also directed the university management to intensify sensitisation among students on the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme.

According to him, eligible students of DOU can benefit from the scheme, which provides financial assistance towards tuition and a monthly stipend of ₦20,000.

He said greater awareness of the programme could help reduce the financial burden on students and minimise the risk of students dropping out because of financial difficulties.

The commissioner urged the university authorities to ensure that eligible students were properly informed about the application process, requirements and benefits of the scheme.

DOU seeks connection to Delta IPP

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Aghalino, disclosed that the university’s electricity bill exceeds ₦18 million monthly, identifying the high cost of power as one of the institution’s major challenges.

Aghalino made the disclosure while briefing the commissioner and his delegation on developments and challenges since his assumption of office.

He appealed to the Delta State Government to facilitate DOU’s connection to the state’s Independent Power Plant (IPP), saying access to a more affordable and stable power supply would significantly reduce the university’s expenditure.

According to him, reliable electricity is particularly important for departments such as Anatomy, where teaching, research and practical activities require uninterrupted power.

The Vice-Chancellor said reducing the institution’s energy costs would enable the university to redirect more resources towards teaching, research, infrastructure and other academic priorities.

New DOU management targets sanitation, discipline

Aghalino also disclosed that his administration had commenced measures to improve sanitation, discipline and orderliness across the university.

He said some official vehicles had been refurbished and returned to service as part of efforts to improve the institution’s operational efficiency.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for the state government’s interventions and continued support for the university.

He, however, appealed for sustained government assistance to enable DOU to address its infrastructure and operational challenges and effectively fulfil its academic mandate.

Tonukari, in response, assured the university management that the request for connection to the state-owned IPP, alongside other concerns raised during the visit, would be presented to Governor Oborevwori for consideration and appropriate action