Ijaw Group Seeks Vice-Chancellor Slot At Dennis Osadebay University
Ijaw Community Raises Concern Over Representation
AN Ijaw leader and Delta State indigene, Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has appealed to Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to consider appointing an Ijaw academic as the next Vice-Chancellor of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba. The call, he said, is rooted in long-standing concerns over representation, equity, and inclusivity in the leadership of newly established state universities.
Speaking on behalf of the Ijaw community, Chief Mulade argued that the absence of Ijaw representation at the highest administrative level of the university does not reflect the diverse ethnic composition of Delta State or the contributions made by Ijaw stakeholders to the development of tertiary education in the state.
Concerns Over Leadership Exclusion
According to Chief Mulade, since the establishment of Dennis Osadebay University and other recently created state universities, no Ijaw indigene has been appointed as Vice-Chancellor or principal officer. He described this trend as discouraging to the Ijaw people, particularly given their involvement in the processes that led to the creation of the institutions.
He maintained that leadership appointments in public institutions should reflect the principle of inclusiveness, especially in a multi-ethnic state like Delta, where peaceful coexistence and balanced representation have long been promoted as pillars of governance.
Ijaw Contributions to University Development
The Ijaw leader recalled that members of the Ijaw community were part of the Management Council and other advisory structures that facilitated the establishment of the universities. He also noted that Ijaw professionals contributed significantly to the conceptualisation and development of Southern Delta University.
According to him, these contributions make the continued exclusion of the Ijaw people from top leadership positions difficult to justify.
Availability of Qualified Candidates
Chief Mulade dismissed claims that the absence of Ijaw representation could be due to a lack of qualified candidates. He insisted that the Ijaw community boasts several professors with proven academic records, administrative experience, and public service exposure.
“We have professors of international repute, individuals who have served the Delta State Government and other institutions with distinction. They possess academic integrity, administrative competence, and professionalism required to lead a university,” he said.
He added that appointing an Ijaw Vice-Chancellor would not compromise merit but would instead reflect a fair and transparent selection process that recognises competence across ethnic lines.
Call for Sense of Belonging
The Ijaw leader stressed that the demand was not driven by entitlement but by a desire for inclusion and a sense of belonging. He argued that despite their significant economic contribution to Delta State, the Ijaw people have yet to host a state university.
According to him, appointing an Ijaw Vice-Chancellor would help address feelings of marginalisation and strengthen trust between the state government and Ijaw communities.
Appeal to the Governor
Chief Mulade described Governor Oborevwori as a dynamic and inclusive leader and expressed confidence that the governor would consider the appeal in the interest of unity and fairness.
He urged the state government to ensure that leadership appointments in public institutions reflect Delta State’s diversity and promote harmony among its various ethnic nationalities.
