By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
A prominent Ijaw leader from Delta State, Chief Mulade Sheriff, has called upon the state’s Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, to appoint an Ijaw academic as the next Vice-Chancellor of the Dennis Osadebay University in Asaba.
Chief Sheriff, who holds a PhD and is the Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient, oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom, made the appeal citing a lack of Ijaw representation in the leadership of the state’s newer universities. He emphasised that, despite the Ijaw community’s role in establishing such institutions, no Ijaw individual has held the position of Vice-Chancellor or a principal office within them.
He argued that there are several qualified Ijaw professors with the requisite academic integrity, administrative competence, and professionalism for the role. “Ijaw members were part of the Governing Council that facilitated the establishment of these universities and contributed to the development of the University of Southern Delta,” he stated.
The activist expressed confidence that such an appointment would address a perceived neglect and foster greater inclusivity, giving the Ijaw people a stronger sense of belonging within Delta State’s educational framework.
“It is imperative to call on our dynamic governor to give the Ijaw—who have been deprived from hosting any of the state universities despite our economic contributions—a sense of belonging,” Chief Sheriff added. “The appointment of a Vice-Chancellor from Ijaw extraction would address this perceived neglect and promote representation and inclusivity in university leadership.”
What's your reaction?
