Prominent Delta-born Ijaw leader and human rights advocate, Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has called on Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to consider appointing an Ijaw academic as the next Vice-Chancellor of Dennis Osadebay University (DOU), Asaba.
Chief Mulade said the request is driven by the need to promote fairness, inclusiveness and balanced representation in the leadership of state-owned tertiary institutions, noting that Ijaw indigenes have remained largely absent from key principal positions since the creation of the state’s newer universities.
Speaking on the issue, the Ibe-Serimowei of the ancient, oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom observed that despite the Ijaw people’s substantial contributions to Delta State’s educational and economic growth, no Ijaw indigene has ever been appointed Vice-Chancellor or held other principal offices in the state’s recently established universities.
He emphasized that the Ijaw ethnic nationality boasts several accomplished professors and academics with strong credentials in scholarship, administration, integrity and public service, who are well qualified to lead Dennis Osadebay University. According to him, Ijaw professionals were actively involved in the planning, advisory and management processes that led to the establishment of state universities, including input into the developmental framework of Southern Delta University, yet they have continued to be sidelined in leadership appointments.
Chief Mulade argued that appointing an Ijaw Vice-Chancellor would help correct long-standing perceptions of marginalisation, deepen a sense of inclusion, and strengthen ethnic balance and unity within the state’s education sector. He expressed confidence that such a move would further promote peace, cohesion and trust among the diverse ethnic groups in Delta State, while underscoring the governor’s commitment to inclusive governance.
