BY IFEANYI UWAGWU
THE Delta State Ministry of Higher Education yesterday tabled a ₦106.19 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year before the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA).
Presenting the estimates before the House Committee on Education, the Commissioner, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari described the proposal as a bold step towards consolidating the achievements of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda while confronting longstanding challenges in the state’s tertiary institutions.
The total sum of ₦106,190,521,422 is divided into ₦46.19 billion for recurrent expenditure covering personnel emoluments and overheads, and a landmark ₦60 billion earmarked for capital development, in the 2026 budget cycle.
Prof. Tonukari explained that the capital component would focus on completing ongoing projects, expanding medical sciences faculties at the University of Delta,(UNIDEL), Agbor and the Southern Delta University, Ozoro, finishing auditoriums across the state’s polytechnics, and providing hostel accommodation to ease the pressure of rising student enrolment.
A new policy initiative will see each of the nine state owned tertiary institutions receive a ₦1 billion as annual capital maintenance grant to arrest the deterioration of existing infrastructure, while substantial funds have been set aside for special interventions, institutional upgrades, library renovations, and critical accreditation facilities including laboratories, workshops, fire dunes and swimming pools required by regulatory bodies.
On the recurrent side, the ministry plans to strengthen scholarship and bursary schemes, increase research grants, support course accreditation exercises, and further develop the Education Information Management System (EIMS), to improve data-driven planning and digital infrastructure across campuses.
Prof. Tonukari expressed confidence that, with legislative support and adequate funding, the 2026 proposals would markedly enhance access, raise teaching and graduate quality, stimulate innovation, and establish Delta State’s higher education sector as a genuine engine of sustainable development.
The committee, Chaired by Hon. Charles Emetulu, with Hon. Benson Obire serving as Deputy Chairman, warmly received the team, and offered valuable advice regarding the fiscal year’s projections. Other committee members present included Hon. Ferguson Onwo, Hon. Marylyn Okowa Daramola, Hon. Matthew Omonade, Hon. Mrs. Bridget Anyafulu, and Hon. Emmanuel Amatare Sinebe.
