**Describes situation as unjust, provocative, unacceptable
An Ijaw leader and Development advocate, Comrade Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has accused the Delta State Government of systematic marginalisation and deliberate neglect of Ijaw communities, particularly in the siting of state-owned educational institutions across the state.
Mulade described the situation as unjust, provocative and unacceptable in a democratic society, arguing that the persistent exclusion of Ijaw areas from hosting tertiary institutions amounts to structural discrimination, despite the region’s immense contribution to the economic survival of Delta State through oil and gas production.
“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 in the area of higher educational institutions,” he said. “This is not only unfair; it is dangerous for the unity and future of Delta State.”
The Ijaw-born activist listed several state-owned tertiary institutions, noting that almost all are located outside Ijaw territories. These include Delta State University, Abraka; the Southern Delta University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, with its Orerokpe campus; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; and the University of Delta, Agbor.
He also cited state-owned colleges of education and health institutions such as the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba; College of Education, Edjeba Road, Warri; Delta State College of Physical Education, Mosogar; School of Midwifery, Asaba; State School of Nursing, Edjeba, Warri; and the College of Nursing Science, Sapele. In addition, he mentioned Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, and Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara.
According to Mulade, the only state-owned tertiary institution located in Ijaw land is the Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu, which he said suffers from poor infrastructure and limited capacity. He described this reality as “appalling, insulting and indefensible.”
“One institution for an entire ethnic nationality that contributes massively to Delta State’s oil wealth is not just marginalisation; it is a deliberate policy of neglect,” he declared.
Mulade further lamented that while Ijaw communities bear the environmental consequences of oil exploration, including polluted rivers, destroyed farmlands and health hazards, they are consistently denied the benefits of development, particularly in education.
“Our youths are denied opportunities not because they lack potential, but because the government has refused to bring development to our doorsteps. This imbalance is breeding frustration and must be corrected urgently,” he warned.
The Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom also appealed directly to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to rise above politics and sentiment by taking deliberate steps to correct the imbalance. He called for the prioritisation of new educational institutions in Ijaw areas, the upgrading of existing facilities, and the appointment of qualified Ijaw sons and daughters as Vice-chancellors and other principal officers within the state’s educational system.
“Governor Oborevwori must show that he is a governor for all Deltans, not for a select few. The Ijaw people deserve fairness, inclusion and respect. Educational development is not a favour; it is our right,” he stated.
Mulade warned that continued neglect of Ijaw communities could deepen feelings of alienation and erode the sense of belonging among the people.
He concluded by calling on civil society organisations, traditional rulers, youth groups and stakeholders across Delta State to speak out against structural injustice and demand a more equitable distribution of development.
“This is not just an Ijaw issue; it is a justice issue. A state cannot develop sustainably when a significant part of its population is consistently excluded,” he said.
