By Paul Olayemi

The Delta State Government has commended the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, for naming the institution’s ultramodern Administrative Building after the state Governor and Visitor to the Polytechnic, Sheriff Francis Oborevwori.

The commendation was delivered by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerovwo Tonukari, during an official visit to the institution to sensitise students on the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) scheme.

Tonukari said the administrative complex, constructed from the Polytechnic’s internally generated revenue (IGR), reflects prudent management and institutional vision. He noted that naming the Delta State Polytechnic Otefe-Oghara Administrative Building after the governor underscores the alignment between the institution and the state government’s education agenda.

“The administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori prioritises the educational advancement of Deltans,” Tonukari said. He added that the NELFund initiative of the Federal Government aligns with the governor’s M.O.R.E Agenda, which focuses on development across sectors, including education.

According to the commissioner, the visit was aimed at assessing students’ level of enrollment in the loan scheme and identifying any challenges affecting participation. He urged eligible students to take advantage of the programme to ease financial constraints.

“The state government is dedicated to removing financial barriers to learning. I encourage eligible students to visit the NELFund portal immediately to begin their application and secure their academic future,” he said.

Tonukari also expressed satisfaction with the Rector’s leadership, describing the Polytechnic as one of the fastest-growing in the state based on admission subscription figures. He commended Professor Ufuophu-Biri for what he described as prudent and judicious management of the institution’s lean IGR.

In his response, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri thanked the commissioner for inaugurating the Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori Administrative Building during the Polytechnic’s second combined convocation ceremony. He also acknowledged the Ministry’s support in salary payments, promotion implementation and facilitating correspondence between the institution and the Visitor.

On the NELFund scheme, the Rector said student subscription has improved significantly. He outlined measures introduced by the institution, including the establishment of a standing NELFund committee, designation of a desk officer in the Dean of Students’ Affairs office, campus-wide sensitisation campaigns, and encouragement of lecturers to brief students during lecture hours.

Members of the Polytechnic’s management team, including the Deputy Rector, Registrar, Bursar, Librarian and other principal officers, received the commissioner and his delegation during the visit.

The state government reiterated its commitment to strengthening access to higher education, with continued collaboration between institutions and relevant agencies expected to deepen awareness and participation in student financing initiatives.