Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left) embracing the best graduating student, Mr Joshua Erubami, during, the 11th Convocation ceremony of the Delta State University, Abraka.

 Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has urged tertiary institutions in the country to utilise alternative sources of funding to bridge the funding gaps confronting them.

Speaking at the 11th Convocation ceremony of the Delta State University, Abraka held on Saturday at the institution’s indoor sports complex, Governor Okowa  said that 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.”

“It is what enables universities to build first class facilities and attract and retain the best talent in academics. This is the challenge before our tertiary institutions,” the Governor further stressed.

“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.”, he added.

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.

Dr. 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, Delta State University,  Professor Sam Oyovbaire said 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.

For his part, the Vice Chancellor Delta State University Professor Victor Peretomode disclosed that 8,491 students graduated in the 2015/2016 academic session with thirty-one students having first class.