Okowa urges tertiary institutions to seek alternative sources of funding

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.

He made the call at the 11th Convocation Ceremony of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka held at the institution’s indoor sports complex on Saturday.

Governor Okowa said that tertiary institutions should seek and mobilise substantial additional resources aside the subsidies they receive from government to meet their funding needs.

According to him, “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.

“It is what enables universities to build first class facilities and attract and retain the best talents in academics. This is the challenge before our tertiary institutions.

“There is the 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 commended the Governing Council, Management and Staff of the university for their commitment to building a reputable institution.

The governor, however, 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 on 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.

Dr. Okowa also 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.

Meanwhile, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, of DELSU, Professor Sam Oyovbaire, has said that the Governing Council has recorded remarkable achievements in the area of staff and student discipline, prudence in handling revenue and expenditure as well as protection of properties.

The Vice Chancellor of be institution, Professor Victor Peretomode, during his speech, disclosed that a total of 8,491 students graduated in the 2015/2016 academic session with 31 students bagging first class.

Highlights of the ceremony was 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.