Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved a new salary structure for academic staff in the state’s four universities, effective August 2026, while non-academic staff and workers in other tertiary institutions will begin receiving the revised pay from September 2026.
The announcement was made in Asaba during 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.
Governor Oborevwori highlighted that the four state-owned universities now offer professional courses such as medicine, law, nursing, and accounting, with student enrolment rising from 50,000 in 2023 to over 100,000 in 2026.
He noted that the institutions have enjoyed 17 years of uninterrupted academic calendars, free from strikes or unrest, underscoring the government’s commitment to stability in the education sector.
Charging the newly inaugurated councils, the Governor emphasized; Corporate Governance: Ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to enabling laws, Zero Tolerance: Maintain strict discipline against sexual harassment, examination malpractice, cultism, favouritism, and corruption; Financial Autonomy: Pursue policies that reduce dependence on government funding and attract private-sector investments.
Infrastructure Development: Support government’s ongoing projects, including the construction of two hostels in each of the nine state-owned tertiary institutions, each designed to house 480 students.
Oborevwori stressed that it is “unrealistic and unsustainable for universities to rely solely on government funding”, urging councils to market their institutions and build partnerships that will strengthen competitiveness nationally and internationally.
The Governor also tasked the new Auditor-General, Mr. Oghene, to discharge his duties with transparency, professionalism, and fairness, warning against political witch-hunting or cover-ups.
Speaking on behalf of the appointees, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Dennis Osadebay University Governing Council, expressed gratitude to the Governor and called for the establishment of a Higher Education Endowment Fund to provide sustainable financing.
He urged eminent Deltans and Nigerians to partner with government by investing in student hostels, staff housing, lecture halls, and faculty buildings, stressing that government alone cannot meet the infrastructure needs of the universities.
The newly inaugurated councils comprise seasoned academics, professionals, and public servants: Prof. Victor Peretomode – Chairman, University of Delta Governing Council, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare – Chairman, Dennis Osadebay University Governing Council and Chief Godson Echegile and Chairman, Southern Delta University Governing Council.
Governor Oborevwori however reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to repositioning Delta as an emerging education hub in Nigeria, pledging continued investment in infrastructure and staff welfare while encouraging institutions to chart sustainable paths for growth.
