In line with its oversight functions and in continuation of visits to tertiary institutions in the state, the Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Education has met with authorities of Delta State University, Abraka to seek ways of moving the institution forward.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon Daniel Mayuku and the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Victor Peretomode in their separate remarks, emphasized the need for greater synergy among stakeholders to promote academic excellence in the institution.
Opening discussions at a meeting attended by three other members of the committee on education, including Hon Timi Tonye, Azuka Azaka and Evans Iwhurie as well as management team of the university, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Victor Peretomode, said Delta State University is the only university owned by the delta state government.
Prof Peretomode stated that the visit by the committee was commendable as regular meetings and interactions among critical stakeholders would go a long way in helping to address some wrong impression about the running of the institution.
He noted that the complexity of a university environment was quite challenging, hence the need for better understanding on the rules, regulations and limitations on certain issues not applicable to only the Delta State University.
Prof Peretomode disclosed that there are guidelines in admission processes that must strictly be adhered to, emphasizing that a university must admit the number of students approved for it by the National University Commission, NUC, in collaboration with some professional bodies.
The Vice Chancellor said any university that exceeded it quota would face sanctioned, stressing that the reason was to check situation where a university admits more the capacity it can carry.
He highlighted several challenges faced the university that require urgent attention, informing the lawmakers that aside the issue of funding and development of more infrastructure, there are no lecturers for most of the programs run by the university.
Prof Peretomode stated that most times, the engagement of adhoc, contract and sabbatical lectures where done out of frustration, saying that it was gratifying to inform the committee that the state governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa recently approved the employment of a good number of lecturers in some faculties, including medicine and engineering.
He said the dream of the management of the Delta State University is to raise it to the height of the becoming among the best five universities in Nigeria and among first twenty in Africa.
The Chairman, House Committee on Education, Hon Daniel Mayuku pledged the commitment of the Delta State House of Assembly to the growth of the education sector in the state and promoting excellence in the institutions.
Hon Mayuku said the running of a university was quite tasking and challenging, assuring the vice chancellor of committee's support to succeed.
A member of the committee, Hon Evans Iwhurie, called for regular interactions between the committee and the management team to promote harmony among them.
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