Socioeconomic development of rural areas in Nigeria using the growth pole approach: a case study of Delta State University in Abraka

Abstract

This empirical study focuses on the socio-economic impact of Delta State University (Delsu) on
Abraka community in Delta State, South-south Nigeria where the administrative office of the
University’s three (3) campuses is located. Primary data were collected through the use of 200
copies of questionnaires as well as oral interview. The establishment of the university in 1992 has
precipitated rapid population increase in Abraka town which hitherto was a relatively unknown
agrarian community where only peasant farming was the major source of livelihood. However, due
to the speedy development brought about by the location of Delsu, the area has assumed the
status of an urban centre in terms of overall development and this has been officially recognized
by the state government. These include education, land use, housing, transportation, trade and
commerce and other essential services caused by increased spatial interaction among dwellers.
The developmental stride have also its negative consequences which include demand induced
inflation, high cost of living, increase in criminal activities such as kidnapping among others
which was largely unheard of in this community several years ago. The study concludes that
citing a tertiary institution in a geographic environment is a stimulus for the rapid growth of the
area but the adverse effects of development should be properly monitored.