An Ijaw leader and development advocate, Chief Sheriff Mulade, Ph.D, has strongly accused the Delta State government of systematic marginalisation and deliberate neglect of Ijaw communities, particularly in the area of educational development and institutional presence.

Mulade, who described the situation as “unjust, provocative and unacceptable in a democratic society,” said the continued exclusion of Ijaw areas from the siting of state-owned educational institutions represents a clear case of structural discrimination, despite the region’s enormous contribution to the economic survival of Delta State.

According to him, “It is painful and unacceptable that a people whose land produces the wealth sustaining this state are treated as second-class citizens when it comes to development especially in the area of higher educational institutions. This is not only unfair; it is dangerous for the unity and future of Delta State.”

The Ijaw-born activist listed the existing state-owned tertiary institutions in Delta State and pointed out that almost all are concentrated outside Ijaw territories, reinforcing a long-standing pattern of exclusion.

"State-Owned Universities such as: Delta State University, Abraka; Delta State University of Science and Technology (Southern University), Ozoro; and Orerokpe Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; University of Delta, Agbor.

"State-Owned Colleges of Education and Health Institutions: 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; College of Nursing Science, Sapele.

"Delta State-Owned Polytechnic Institutions: Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku; Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara; Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu is near non-functional and lacks capacity."

Mulade stressed that out of all these institutions, only one, the Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu is located in Ijaw land, a reality he described 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.

The rights activists lamented that while Ijaw communities bear the environmental burden of oil exploration including polluted rivers, destroyed farmlands and health risks they are consistently denied the benefits of development, especially in education.

“Our youths are denied opportunities not because they lack potential, but because the government has refused to bring development to our doorstep. This imbalance is breeding frustration and must be corrected urgently,” Mulade warned.

The Ibe-Sorimowei of ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State, Mulade strongly appealed and called directly on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to rise above politics, sentiment and take deliberate steps to correct the imbalance by prioritising the siting of new educational institutions in Ijaw areas, upgrading existing infrastructure and appoint qualified Ijaw sons and daughters as Vice-Chancellor and other principal officers in Delta educational architecture as compensation.

“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.

He warned that continued neglect of Ijaw areas could deepen feelings of alienation and undermine the sense of belonging among the people.

Mulade concluded by calling on civil society groups, traditional rulers, youth organisations 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.

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