One School for an Entire Ethnic Group: Chief Comrade Mulade Prominent Ijaw Leader Faults Delta’s Educational Imbalance

 

By Wilson Macaulay

WARRI 

A leading Ijaw voice and development advocate, Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has faulted the Delta State Government over what he described as a deeply entrenched educational imbalance that has left Ijaw communities grossly marginalised in the siting of state-owned tertiary institutions.

Mulade, who spoke against the backdrop of growing agitation for equity in development, said it was “unacceptable and indefensible” that an entire ethnic nationality contributing significantly to Delta State’s oil-driven economy is left with only one state-owned tertiary institution within its territory.

“How do you justify one school for an entire ethnic group whose land sustains the economic lifeline of the state?” Mulade asked. “This is not an oversight; it is a clear case of exclusion that must be addressed.”

Skewed Distribution of Educational Institutions

The Ijaw leader highlighted that virtually all state-owned universities in Delta State are located outside Ijaw areas. These include Delta State University, Abraka; Southern Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro; its Orerokpe Campus; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; and the University of Delta, Agbor.

He further listed 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, noting that none are situated in core Ijaw communities.

In the polytechnic category, Mulade cited Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku; Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara; and the Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu, stressing that only the Burutu institution is located in Ijaw land.

According to him, even the School of Marine Technology suffers from poor infrastructure, inadequate funding and limited capacity, making it grossly insufficient to cater for the educational needs of Ijaw youths.

Oil Wealth Without Development

Mulade lamented that while Ijaw communities shoulder the environmental consequences of oil exploration—ranging from polluted waterways to devastated farmlands and public health challenges—they are systematically excluded from educational and infrastructural development.

“Our rivers are polluted, our farmlands destroyed, yet our children must travel long distances to access higher education,” he said. “This contradiction is both painful and provocative.”

He warned that denying young people access to education within their communities fuels frustration, deepens poverty and undermines social stability.

Call for Government Action

The Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom appealed directly to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently correct what he described as a historical imbalance.

Mulade called for the establishment of additional universities, polytechnics or colleges in Ijaw areas, the comprehensive upgrade of the Delta State School of Marine Technology in Burutu, and the deliberate inclusion of qualified Ijaw sons and daughters in the leadership of Delta State’s educational institutions.

“Educational development is not a privilege; it is a right,” he stressed. “The governor must demonstrate fairness and inclusiveness if Delta State is to enjoy lasting peace and unity.”

Beyond Ijaw: A Question of Justice

Concluding, Mulade urged civil society organisations, traditional rulers, youth groups and stakeholders across the state to join the call for equity, insisting that the issue transcends ethnicity.

“This is not just an Ijaw matter; it is a justice matter,” he said. “No state can claim progress when a significant portion of its population is consistently left behind.”

He maintained that addressing the imbalance in educational development remains a critical step toward sustainable growth, social harmony and genuine inclusiveness in Delta State.