Delta state Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa says contrary to the issues raised by the national body of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) concerning the on-going strike, Delta state has enjoyed harmonious relationship with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for several years now.
Governor Okowa made this clarification at the inauguration of Members of the Governing Council of the state’s three new Universities held at Unity Hall government House Asaba.
Okowa takes exception to the ASUU leadership’s belief that there are unhealthy proliferation of Universities by states.
The Delta state Governor said in place of the lingering disagreement between the Federal Government and ASUU, staff in Delta tertiary institutions for several years now have been enjoying the allowances that is in contention while the establishment of Universities according to him is meant to fill gaps created by shortage of space and increase access to university education for the qualified youths.
He charged the Council members to use their wealth of experience to position the universities to achieve academic excellenc by striking a balance of policy issues, general management of the University and expenditure template as well as restricting itself to terms of reference to avoid unnecessary clashes and being a burden to the institutions.
Responding on behalf of members of the Governing Council, Prof Emmanuel Nwanze lauded Governor Okowa for his vision of setting up the three new Universities whose impact he said would be felt in years to come.
The three new Universities have Prof Emmanuel Nwanze, Prof. Robert Ikomi and Godson Echegile as Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of University of Delta Agbor, Dennis Osadebe University and University of Science and technology Ozoro respectively and 16 members.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
