As the Delta State University, Abaraka, weekend graduated 8,491 students in the 2015/2016 academic session, the state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, challenged tertiary institutions across the country to utilise alternative sources of funding to bridge the funding gaps confronting them if they want to retain and attract the best talent in academics.
Okowa, who spoke at the occasion that marked the 11th convocation ceremony of the institution, said tertiary institutions should seek and mobilise substantial additional resources aside from the subsidies they receive from government 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 mobilize substantial additional resources aside from the subsidies they receive from government,” he said,
He stressed that it enables universities to build first class facilities and attract and retain the best talent in academics. This is the challenge before our tertiary institutions, he said.
“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,” Okowa, who is the visitor of the institution, said.
While commending the governing council, 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.
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 of the university, Sam Oyovbaire said 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 of the institution, Victor Peretomode disclosed that a total of eight thousand, four hundred and ninety-one (8,491) students graduated in the 2015/2016 academic session with 31 students having first class.
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, Bruce Onobrakpaye.
Mercy Enoch, Asaba
