Okowa says DELSU must fund itself, account for internally generated revenue

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has urged the leadership of the Delta State University (DELSU) to account for internally generated revenue (IGR) and begin to fund itself.

Speaking when he received members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), DELSU Chapter led by their Chairman, Professor Abel Mac Diakparome, the governor said his government will not continue to pay the university's bills.

Okowa said the university must run itself and account for IGR and utilize it for the infrastructural development in the school.

According to him, universities in the country must be accountable, innovative and infrastructure-driven.

The governor also called for the support of the union, assuring that the government will continue to dialogue with them towards sustaining the industrial harmony in the institution.

Professor Diakparome, who had assured Okowa of the union's support, drew his attention to issues like the retirement age of its members in the professorial cadre, unpaid pension benefits and promotion arrears.

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Okowa has been making moves in the education sector since he took over from immediate past governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan.

In June he indicated his readiness to collaborate with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in developing the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU) which is located in Okerenkoko, an Ijaw community, south-west, Delta State.