By Oghenefejiro Emado
22, January 2026
A prominent Ijaw leader, Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has called on the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to consider appointing an Ijaw man as the next Vice-Chancellor of the Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba. This request is driven by concerns over the lack of representation and inclusivity of the Ijaw community in the university’s leadership.
Chief Mulade claimed that out that despite the Ijaw community’s contributions to the establishment of the university, no Ijaw individual has held a Vice-Chancellorship or principal officer position in the state’s new universities. He argued that this lack of representation is a form of neglect and marginalization.
The Ibe-Sorimowei of Ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom and Activist emphasized that the Ijaw community has several qualified candidates with academic integrity, administrative competence, and professionalism who can fill the role of Vice-Chancellor. He expressed confidence that appointing an Ijaw Vice-Chancellor would promote inclusivity and give the Ijaw people a sense of belonging in Delta State’s educational scheme.
Chief Mulade stated, “It is imperative to call on our dynamic governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to give Ijaw a sense of belonging who have been deprived of hosting any of the state universities despite their economic contribution.” He added that the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor from Ijaw extraction would address the perceived neglect of the Ijaw community and promote representation and inclusivity in university leadership.
The Ijaw leader highlighted the community’s contributions to the establishment of the university, noting that Ijaw members were part of the Management Council that facilitated the establishment of the universities and contributed to the development of Southern Delta University. He urged the Governor to recognize the Ijaw community’s contributions and give them a sense of belonging by appointing one of their own as Vice-Chancellor.
