An Ijaw leader and development advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has accused the Delta State Government of systemic marginalisation of Ijaw communities, particularly in the siting of state-owned educational institutions.
Mulade described the situation as “unjust, provocative and unacceptable in a democratic society,” arguing that the persistent exclusion of Ijaw areas from educational development reflects structural discrimination, despite the region’s significant contribution to the state’s economic survival through oil 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 higher education,” Mulade said.
“This is not only unfair; it is dangerous for the unity and future of Delta State.”
The rights activist listed existing state-owned tertiary and professional institutions across the state, noting that the majority are located outside Ijaw territories.
These include Delta State University, Abraka; Southern Delta University of Science and Technology, Ozoro; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; University of Delta, Agbor; state-owned colleges of education and health institutions in Asaba, Warri, Mosogar and Sapele; as well as polytechnics in Ogwashi-Uku and Otefe-Oghara.
According to Mulade, only one state-owned institution—the Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu, is located in Ijaw land, a situation he described as appalling, insulting and indefensible.
One institution for an entire ethnic nationality that contributes immensely to Delta State’s oil wealth amounts to deliberate neglect, he stated.
Mulade further lamented that while Ijaw communities bear the environmental burden of oil exploration such as polluted waterways, destroyed farmlands and health hazards they continue to be denied equitable access to development, particularly in education.
Our youths are denied opportunities not because they lack potential, but because development has refused to come to our doorsteps. This imbalance is breeding frustration and must be addressed urgently, he warned.
The Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Mulade Sheriff, appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to rise above politics and sentiment by taking deliberate steps to correct the imbalance.
He urged the governor 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 for a select few. Educational development is not a favour; it is our right, Mulade said.
He warned that continued neglect of Ijaw communities could deepen feelings of alienation and weaken the people’s sense of belonging in the state.
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 a more equitable distribution of development.
“This is not just an Ijaw issue; it is a justice issue. No state can develop sustainably when a significant portion of its population is consistently excluded,” he added.
