The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting educational institutions in the region, announcing plans to build new hostel blocks and provide alternative power solutions for the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).

NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, disclosed this when UNIPORT’s Governing Council, led by Chairman Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, visited the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt. This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama.

“We have undertaken several projects at the University of Port Harcourt, and we look forward to building more partnerships. Let us work together so the region can benefit,” Ogbuku stated.

He assured the delegation that the Commission would construct new hostel blocks and equip the university’s Senate building with a 300 KVA solar inverter system to cut diesel costs. Additionally, engineers would be deployed to assess roads and hostels for possible rehabilitation.

“In NDDC, we believe in action. We do not make empty promises. We are determined to bring President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reality,” he added.

Ohuabunwa commended the NDDC’s leadership and urged continued support for UNIPORT, citing infrastructure challenges such as a 50,000-student population with only 5,000 hostel spaces. He also appealed for assistance in securing gas turbines to stabilize power supply.

UNIPORT Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, thanked the NDDC for its interventions and congratulated Ogbuku on his recent commendation from President Tinubu. He also invited the Commission to participate in the university’s upcoming 50th-anniversary celebrations.