Mulade Urges Oborevwori to Appoint Ijaw VC for Dennis Osadebay University, Cites Inclusivity Gaps

Renowned Delta-born Ijaw leader and human rights activist, Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has appealed to 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 appeal was anchored on the need for equity, representation, and inclusivity in the leadership of state-owned tertiary institutions, particularly given the absence of Ijaw representation in key principal officer positions since the establishment of Delta State’s newer universities.

Speaking on the matter, the Ibe-Serimowei of the ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom noted that, despite the significant contributions of Ijaw people to the educational and economic development of Delta State, no Ijaw indigene has ever served as Vice-Chancellor or principal officer in the state’s newly established universities.

He stressed that the Ijaw ethnic nationality has several highly qualified professors and academics with proven records of academic excellence, administrative competence, integrity, and public service experience, who are capable of competently leading Dennis Osadebay University.

According to him, Ijaw professionals were part of the management and advisory processes that facilitated the establishment of state universities, including contributions to the development framework of Southern Delta University, yet the community remains largely excluded from leadership positions.

“Ijaw members were part of the management councils that facilitated the establishment of these universities. We have several qualified professors with impeccable academic credentials and administrative experience, some of whom have also served the Delta State Government,” Mulade said.

He argued that appointing an Ijaw Vice-Chancellor would help address long-standing perceptions of marginalisation, foster a stronger sense of belonging, and promote ethnic balance and unity within the state’s education sector.

“It is imperative to call on our dynamic governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to give the Ijaw people a sense of belonging. Despite our economic contributions to Delta State, we are yet to host any state university. Appointing an Ijaw Vice-Chancellor would promote representation, inclusivity, and fairness in university leadership,” he added.

Mulade expressed confidence that such a decision would further strengthen peace, cohesion, and trust among Delta State’s diverse ethnic nationalities while reinforcing the governor’s commitment to inclusive governance.