The Delta State Government has expressed concern over what it described as a steady decline in the quality and competence of some graduates produced by tertiary institutions in the state, calling for stronger collaboration between the civil service and higher education institutions to address the challenge.
The concern was raised on Thursday in Asaba during an interactive session involving the Head of Service, Dr. Mininim Oseji, senior officials of the Ministry of Higher Education, and heads of tertiary institutions. According to Oseji, the meeting was convened to improve standards, strengthen collaboration, and ensure that graduates are better prepared for employment and public service.
Addressing participants, Oseji said the government was concerned that some graduates were not acquiring adequate critical thinking and professional competencies. She urged institutions to equip students with the capacity to think independently and disclosed that the state would continue reforms within the civil service while seeking greater alignment from higher institutions to ensure the development of competent manpower.
She called on institutions to be more deliberate in training students and stressed the need to revive a strong reading culture across schools and within the civil service. Osejiadded that her office was prepared to deepen cooperation with tertiary institutions to enhance academic output and administrative efficiency.
The Head of Service further directed leaders of government-owned institutions to ensure that all official memoranda are channelled through their supervising ministries to guarantee proper documentation and facilitate prompt processing. While acknowledging the autonomy enjoyed by the institutions, she emphasised that communication must adhere to approved government procedures to avoid delays and misunderstandings.
Oseji also noted that the Head of Service Telegram platform serves as an official channel for updates, circulars, and information dissemination, and encouraged staff of tertiary institutions to join in order to receive timely information.
She advised that requests and concerns from institutions should be routed through the Committee on Trade Unions, Professional Associations, and Other Personnel Matters in her office, noting that the committee meets monthly to address labour-related matters.
On welfare and administrative issues, Oseji said internal advocacy within institutions remained essential for resolving concerns effectively. She also advised institutions to consult the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Felicia Reno-Orugbo, on matters relating to dress code, while preserving institutional autonomy.
Responding on behalf of the institutions, Prof. Emiri Ogochukwu of Southern Delta University and Dr. Josephine Onohwakpor of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, advocated the revitalisation of libraries to strengthen reading culture among students. They also recommended extending such engagements to vice-chancellors and lecturers, arguing that broader participation would help improve discipline, academic performance, and overall excellence across the state’s higher institutions.
