Delta State government is dedicating half of this year’s N46.7 billion education budget exclusively to tertiary education, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, has said.

Prof. Tonukari, who disclosed this to journalists in Asaba, said the State stands out nationally for its consistent support to its universities and polytechnics.

He stated that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is committing such a huge amount of money to expand and improve the standards of higher institutions in the State.

“We are doing well in terms of funding for tertiary institutions. Delta State is unique—it funds education more than any other state,” he revealed.

According to him, the state boasts four state-owned universities and several polytechnics, which collectively serve over 100,000 students.

“This marks an enormous leap from less than 20 years ago, when Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, had a student population of just 3,000 to 4,000.

“In the 2025 academic year alone, state institutions admitted nearly 25,000 new students, demonstrating both the growing demand for tertiary education and the government’s proactive response in expanding capacity.
“The expansion has also been curricular. Institutions such as Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, and Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, have significantly increased the number of programs they offer.

“For instance, the Polytechnic in Utefo-Ugala has added 18 new programs in the past two years, while Ogwashi-Uku has added over a dozen,” Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari noted.

He also said that Delta State University, Abraka, has undergone major academic upgrades, adding four new faculties—including Dentistry, Computing, Mass Communication, and another—bringing the total number of faculties to twelve.