Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged tertiary institutions in the country to utilise alternative sources of funding to bridge the funding gaps confronting them.

At the 11th convocation ceremony of the Delta State University, Abraka on Saturday, Okowa said that tertiary institutions should mobilise substantial additional resources aside from government subsidies to meet their funding needs.

“This administration is mindful of the funding gaps in our tertiary institutions. Despite the challenging economic environment, we have ensured prompt payment of staff salaries and worked hard to provide basic infrastructure. But as in anywhere else in the world, adequate funding is possible when the university is able to mobilise substantial additional resources aside from the subsidies they receive from government,” he said, stressing: “It is what enables universities to build first class facilities, attract and retain the best talent in academics. This is the challenge before our tertiary institutions.”

“There is need to have well-structured and professionally-run fund-raising offices with the capacity to diversify the funding sources, especially through robust endowment funds and alumni funding stream,” he added.

While commending the Governing Council, the Management and Staff of the university for their commitment to build a reputable institution, the Governor assured them of government’s support to transform the university into an elite institution that places a premium on excellence in teaching and learning.

He congratulated the graduands for successfully completing their programmes and urged all stakeholders, including the students to maintain an atmosphere of peace, honest dialogue, mutual cooperation and respect for constituted authorities in our tertiary institutions.

Dr. Okowa directed that the overall best graduating student, Joshua Erubami be given immediate employment as a graduate assistant in the institution and be encouraged to pursue his doctorate degree in the school.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire said the Council had recorded remarkable achievements in the area of staff and student discipline, prudence in handling revenue and expenditure as well as protection of properties.

On his part, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victor Peretomode disclosed that 8,491 students graduated in the 2015/2016 academic session with 31 having first class degrees.

The ceremony featured the award of honorary doctorate degrees to the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, Ovie Richard Ogbon, the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Chike Edozien and the universally acclaimed master artist, Dr. Bruce Onobrakpaye.

•From Left: Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Commissioner for Higher Education, Engr. Jude Sinebe and the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, of the State University, Prof Sam Oyovbaire during, the 11th Convocation ceremony of the University, Abraka, Delta State

Update news