At a time when the dark shadows of ASUU strike again loom across Nigerian universities due to unpaid June salaries, the story is quite different in Delta State. According to Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, the State Commissioner for Higher Education, lecturers in Delta-owned tertiary institutions have no reason to join strikes because they are well taken care of.
Speaking during a radio programme in Asaba, Prof. Tonukari explained that the peaceful academic environment in the state is due to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to the welfare of both academic and non-academic staff. He said Delta lecturers are among the best paid in Nigeria, and the state has heavily invested in school infrastructure and the approval of new academic programmes. Since the governor took office, over 40 new academic programmes have been introduced, and more than 25,000 new students have been admitted in just one year. Today, Delta State-owned tertiary institutions have over 90,000 students.
This progress has made Delta a top choice for many Nigerian parents, who are now transferring their children to schools in the state. Tonukari also highlighted major projects at universities such as Abraka, Ozoro, and Dennis Osadebey University. Beyond education, Delta is also pushing innovation. For example, students and lecturers at the Polytechnic in Otefe-Oghara built a new fuel-powered generator. While ASUU and other unions in other states are crying over unpaid salaries, Delta lecturers are busy teaching. Indeed, other states have much to learn from how Delta is managing its schools.
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