Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has announced the approval of a new salary structure for academic staff of the four state-owned universities in the state. The new salary structure takes effect from August 2026, while that of non-academic staff and other tertiary institutions would take effect from September. This move is part of the state government's efforts to improve the welfare of workers in the education sector.
The four state-owned universities, namely the University of Delta, Agbor; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; and Southern Delta University, Ozoro, have been experiencing significant growth in recent years. According to the governor, the universities now offer professional courses including medicine, law, nursing, and accounting. This expansion has led to a rise in student enrolment from about 50,000 in 2023 to more than 100,000 in 2026.
The governor made this announcement at the swearing-in of the newly appointed Auditor-General of the state, Mr Emasogbe Matthew Oghene, and the inauguration of the Governing Councils of the University of Delta, Agbor; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; and Southern Delta University, Ozoro. He emphasized the state government's commitment to stable academic activities, noting that the academic calendar of the universities had not been disrupted by staff strikes or student unrest in 17 years.
Oborevwori described the state as an emerging education hub in Nigeria, saying his administration is committed to repositioning the state-owned universities as centres of excellence. He charged the newly inaugurated councils to pursue policies that would strengthen corporate governance, improve institutional efficiency, and position the universities for sustainable growth.
The governor tasked the councils to maintain zero tolerance for sexual harassment, examination malpractice, cultism, favouritism, and corruption, urging them to apply disciplinary measures whenever rules were breached. He also emphasized the need for the universities to operate strictly in accordance with their enabling laws and to devote substantial time and resources to marketing their institutions and attracting private-sector investments.
In addition to the new salary structure, the governor disclosed that he had approved the construction of two hostels for each of the nine state-owned tertiary institutions, with each hostel designed to accommodate 480 students. He also urged the councils to build on the progress recorded and make the institutions more competitive nationally and internationally.
The newly inaugurated councils comprise distinguished academics, professionals, and public servants. The councils are chaired by Prof. Victor Peretomode, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare, and Chief Godson Echegile. Responding on behalf of the appointees, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare thanked Governor Oborevwori for appointing him and other members of the councils and called for the establishment of a Higher Education Endowment Fund to provide sustainable funding for tertiary institutions.
Key points
- The new salary structure for academic staff of the four state-owned universities takes effect from August 2026.
- The state government's commitment to stable academic activities has resulted in no disruptions to the academic calendar in 17 years.
- The governor has approved the construction of two hostels for each of the nine state-owned tertiary institutions.
