By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
AN Ijaw leader and development advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has accused the Delta State Government of systemic marginalisation and deliberate neglect of Ijaw communities, particularly in the siting of educational institutions across the state.
Mulade described the situation as “unjust, provocative and unacceptable in a democratic society,” arguing that the continued exclusion of Ijaw areas from hosting state-owned tertiary institutions amounts to structural discrimination, despite the region’s significant contribution to Delta State’s economic sustenance.
“It is painful and unacceptable that a people whose land produces a greater portion of the wealth sustaining this state are treated as second-class citizens when it comes to development, especially higher education,” he said.
“This is not only unfair; it is dangerous to the unity and future of Delta State.”
The Ijaw-born activist listed several state-owned tertiary institutions in Delta State, noting that nearly all are located outside Ijaw territories. These include Delta State University, Abraka; Southern Delta University of Science and Technology, Ozoro and Orerokpe Campus; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; University of Delta, Agbor; as well as state-owned colleges of education, nursing and health sciences in Asaba, Warri, Mosogar and Sapele.
He also mentioned Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku; Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara; and the Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu, noting that only the latter is situated in Ijaw land and is plagued by poor infrastructure and limited capacity.
Mulade described the situation as “appalling, insulting and indefensible,” stressing that having only one state-owned institution in Ijaw territory reflects deliberate neglect rather than coincidence.
“One institution for an entire ethnic nationality that contributes massively to Delta State’s oil wealth is not marginalisation alone; it is a clear policy of exclusion,” he declared.
He further lamented that while Ijaw communities suffer the environmental consequences of oil exploration—such as polluted rivers, destroyed farmlands and health hazards—they continue to be denied meaningful developmental benefits, particularly in education.
“Our youths are denied opportunities not because they lack ability, but because development has been systematically kept away from our communities. This imbalance is breeding frustration and must be urgently addressed,” he warned.
Mulade, who is the Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom, called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to rise above politics and sentiment by taking deliberate steps to correct the imbalance. He urged the state government to prioritise the siting of new educational institutions in Ijaw areas, upgrade existing facilities and appoint qualified Ijaw sons and daughters as vice-chancellors and other principal officers within the state’s educational system.
“Governor Oborevwori must demonstrate that he is a governor for all Deltans, not a select few. Educational development is not a favour; it is our right,” he said, warning that continued neglect could deepen alienation and erode the sense of belonging among Ijaw people.
Mulade concluded by calling on civil society organisations, traditional rulers, youth groups and other stakeholders across Delta State to speak out against structural injustice and demand equitable development.
“This is not just an Ijaw issue; it is a justice issue. No state can develop sustainably while a significant section of its population remains excluded,” he added.
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