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Mulade accuses Delta State Government of marginalising Ijaw communities in education development
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Only one state-owned tertiary institution located in Ijaw land, despite region’s oil contribution
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Calls on Governor Oborevwori to correct imbalance, expand institutions and ensure inclusion
An Ijaw leader and development advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has accused the Delta State Government of systematic marginalisation of Ijaw communities, particularly in the siting of state-owned educational institutions.
Mulade described the situation as unjust, provocative and unacceptable, insisting that the continued exclusion of Ijaw areas from major educational infrastructure amounts to structural discrimination in a democratic society.
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According to him, the imbalance persists despite the enormous contribution of Ijaw land to Delta State’s oil wealth and economic survival.
“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.
He listed several state-owned universities, including Delta State University, Abraka; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; University of Delta, Agbor; and Southern Delta University of Science and Technology campuses in Ozoro and Orerokpe, noting that none is located in core Ijaw areas.
Mulade also cited state-owned colleges of education, nursing and health institutions, as well as polytechnics in Ogwashi-Uku and Otefe-Oghara, stressing that the pattern reflects long-standing exclusion.
He noted that only the Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu, is located in Ijaw land, adding that the institution suffers from poor infrastructure and limited capacity.
“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.
The rights activist further lamented that Ijaw communities bear the environmental burden of oil exploration—polluted rivers, destroyed farmlands and health hazards—while being denied corresponding development benefits.
“Our youths are denied opportunities not because they lack potential, but because development has been kept away from their communities. This imbalance is dangerous and must be addressed,” he warned.
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Mulade, who is the Ibe-Sorimowei of the Gbaramatu Kingdom, called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to take deliberate steps to correct the imbalance by prioritising the siting of new educational institutions in Ijaw areas, upgrading existing ones and appointing qualified Ijaw sons and daughters into key leadership positions.
He warned that continued neglect could deepen alienation and undermine unity in the state.
“This is not just an Ijaw issue; it is a justice issue. Delta State cannot develop sustainably while a significant part of its population remains excluded,” Mulade said.