Delta Moves to Review Lecturers’ Salaries as Southern Delta University Records Steady Growth

The Delta State Government says it is close to concluding plans for a new salary structure for academic staff in its tertiary institutions, with the proposal awaiting the final approval.

Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, disclosed this during a working visit to Southern Delta University (SDU), Ozoro, where he also assessed ongoing developments at the institution.

According to the commissioner, the salary review is at an advanced stage and is expected to address concerns raised by lecturers over their welfare, although he did not indicate when the new pay package would take effect.

Tonukari commended the university for its rapid physical and academic expansion, describing the progress recorded under Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sunny Awhefeada as significant. He urged staff and other stakeholders to continue supporting efforts aimed at strengthening teaching, research, innovation and overall service delivery at the institution.

He also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to improving public tertiary education through sustained investment in infrastructure and other critical areas needed to support learning.

Responding to concerns raised by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) over its salary proposal, the commissioner acknowledged that the union’s submission had been received. He explained that government would address the issues in phases, beginning with the ongoing salary review for academic staff before considering other requests.

On student support, Tonukari encouraged university authorities to increase awareness of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as an important intervention for students facing financial challenges.

The university’s Bursar informed the commissioner that more than 4,000 Southern Delta University students had already accessed the loan scheme, a figure Tonukari described as encouraging.

Tonukari also revealed that the state government has approved the construction of separate 500-bed male and female hostels in each of Delta’s state-owned universities, including Southern Delta University, as part of efforts to improve student accommodation and campus security.

Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sunny Awhefeada welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the state government’s continued support, while reaffirming the institution’s commitment to advancing quality teaching, research, innovation and community service.