By Faith Iquo
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced that the construction of a 650-bed hostel complex at Niger Delta University (NDU) in Amassoma, Bayelsa State, will be completed and inaugurated next month.
The Managing Director of the Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, made this known during an inspection visit to the project site.
Dr. Ogbuku stated that the hostel project forms part of the NDDC’s commitment to enhancing educational standards and improving student welfare across the Niger Delta region.
He noted that the completion of the facility aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to ensure all NDDC legacy projects are completed and commissioned promptly.
“This project is a testament to our dedication to improving the educational infrastructure in the Niger Delta. We are determined to ensure that students learn in a conducive and comfortable environment,” Dr. Ogbuku said.
The NDDC chief reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with NDU in key areas such as infrastructure development, research, and youth empowerment initiatives.
He emphasized that the hostel would not only solve accommodation challenges but also enhance students’ learning experience and overall well-being.
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Dr. Ogbuku further disclosed that the Commission has constructed similar hostels in other universities within the Niger Delta region.
He added that the NDDC is also investing significantly in digital education, including the procurement of 45,000 U-Tablets for primary and secondary school pupils.
“These tablets can be used online and offline, helping students—especially those who cannot afford private lessons—access quality educational materials,” he explained.
As part of its broader support for Niger Delta University, Ogbuku announced that the Commission had donated a 1,000KVA generator and a 23-seater bus to the institution.
He expressed confidence that these interventions would create a more conducive academic environment.
Earlier, during a courtesy visit to the university’s Senate Building, Dr. Ogbuku encouraged Nigerian universities to invest more in research for self-sustainability and innovation-driven development.
Promoting sustainable human development
In his remarks, Professor Allen Agih, Vice Chancellor of NDU, commended the NDDC for its consistent support towards advancing education and infrastructure in the region. He appealed for further assistance in addressing the university’s electricity and staff housing challenges.
“The hostel project will significantly reduce the accommodation deficit. Out of our 22,000 students, only about 10,000 currently reside on campus, while many live off-campus in remote areas facing daily transportation and safety issues,” Prof Agih said.
The NDDC delegation also inspected the 50-bed Amassoma Hospital, where Dr. Ogbuku pledged to expand the facility to 150 beds and include a paediatric ward, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and laboratory facilities.
The forthcoming commissioning of the NDU hostel complex marks another milestone in the NDDC’s efforts to improve educational infrastructure and promote sustainable human development across the Niger Delta region.