Delta Assembly scrutinises education spending as commissioner pushes for stronger tertiary sector
The Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday turned its attention to the future of higher education as lawmakers rigorously examined the 2026 budget proposal submitted by the Ministry of Higher Education.
The Committee Chairman, Mr Charles Emetulu on Tuesday during the 2026 budget defence meeting with the State Ministry for Higher Education, underscored the need for budget discipline.
Emerulu (Ndokwa Wes, urged the ministry to ensure that each line item directly supports institutional growth.
He emphasised that the budget proposal, is designed to reposition Delta’s tertiary institutions for long-term competitiveness.
Emetulu said unlike previous sessions that focused largely on routine funding requests, adding that the proposed allocations would translate into measurable improvements across institutions of higher learning in the state.
In their remarks, the Deputy Chairman of the committee, Mr Benson Obire and other legislators, stressed the need for accountability, quality assurance, as well as aligning spending with emerging educational trends.
The committee therefore pledged to work closely with the ministry, signaling a shared determination to elevate the standards of higher education in State.
Responding to the lawmakers, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, highlighted the administration’s ongoing reforms in the education sector.
He noted that the 2026 proposal is anchored on infrastructure upgrade, capacity building, among others.
Tonukari maintained that the ministry is committed to delivering tangible progress, not just maintaining existing systems.
The commissioner also praised Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori, describing him as a major driver of educational transformation whose support had enabled the ministry to pursue ambitious projects and policy adjustments.
Tonukari reassured the House that the coming fiscal year would mark a consolidation of ongoing investments, insisting that the ministry is adequately positioned to execute its programmes more effectively than in previous years.
The interaction reflected a growing emphasis on results-based budgeting, with lawmakers making it clear that the sector’s future depends on both adequate funding and disciplined implementation.
