Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has reacted to recent criticism made by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) concerning the newly upgraded tertiary institutions in the state. ASUU had condemned the state for the move, saying it was unnecessary and ill-advised.

The governor, on Friday, March 11, during the inauguration of chairmen and members of the governing councils of the three new universities in the state House, Asaba, said the universities were very important and their establishment was aimed at accommodating the rising number of students from the state who desire to study in a university. 

He explained that the three universities would ensure that no qualified student from the state was denied admission into the university 

Okowa also noted that the ongoing strike by universities lecturers was nationwide and arose following failure by the federal government to address issues raised by ASUU. He added that state-owned universities rarely joined in the incessant industrial actions because their needs are adequately cared for by the state.