…says State Universities not established on the basis of ethnicity, tribal or religious patronage
Executive Assistant on Communications to Delta State Governor and Head of State Orientation Bureau, DSOB, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq, has said that the establishment of Orerokpe Campus of Delta State University of Science and Technology Ozoro, is lawful, a reality, commendable and within approved guidelines of the National Universities Commission, NUC.
Oghenesivbe made the assertion on Thursday during live radio programmes on Delta Broadcasting Service, Asaba and Warri Stations, saying that the establishment of University campus outside the main campus is a well known tradition in the global academic community, designed to upscale the advancement of formal education, and to promote unity among citizens domiciled within a legal geographical entity.
He commended the Vice Chancellor of Delta State University of Science and Technology Ozoro, Professor Jacob Oboreh and DSUST Governing Council for their hard work and sincerity of purpose, pointing out that Delta State University Abraka, DELSU, in Delta Central established Campuses in Oleh and Anwai in Delta South and Delta North, until recently when Anwai campus was upgraded to a full fledged University, now known as Dennis Osadebey University Anwai, while the Law Faculty of DELSU remained in Oleh till date.
Oghenesivbe averred that University of Delta Agbor in Ika South established a campus in Owa Alero in Ika North East, stressing that State Universities are not established on the basis of ethnic nationality, tribal or religious patronage, but to bring development to a geographical area, pointing out that education is universal and abhors ethnic, race or religious bigotry due to strict principles of fundamental human rights entrenched in our constitution and international conventions which allows students to freely decide which course to study and where to study.
The EA Communications to governor Oborevwori further assured that Delta State University of Science and Technology Ozoro, Delta State University Abraka, University of Delta Agbor, Dennis Osadebey University Anwai, and other institutions of higher learning in the state shall continue to experience growth and development in line with the broad vision of governor Oborevwori as encapsulated in his MORE agenda, while appealing to Deltans and the good people of Isoko Nation to abstain from divisive statements capable of infringing on the robust peace we all enjoy in the state.
“Our excessive local content governor, Rt Hon Sheriff F.O Oborevwori, JP, shall continue to be governor for all Deltans, irrespective of ethnic nationality, political and religious affiliation. One of his core objectives is to ensure sustained peaceful coexistence among all ethnic nationalities in the state.
“The unprogressive elements behind Ozoro riot on Wednesday over the nobble idea of establishing a campus of Delta State University of Science and Technology at Orerokpe, did not mean well for the state. They are members of a major opposition political party who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during 2023 general elections.
“Governor Oborevwori assured the leadership of Isoko Development Union, IDU, of his total commitment to the development of Isoko Nation and other ethnic nationalities in the state. IDU passed a vote of confidence on him and his administration on Tuesday, an indication that Isoko Nation truly appreciate the good governance strides of the governor.
“As a detribalized leader, governor Oborevwori shall continue to govern the state with the fear of God, good conscience, and shall continue to introduce policies and programmes that would further develope the three senatorial districts, unite the people, sustain peace, prosperity and progress across board.
“Delta State University of Science and Technology Ozoro cannot and will never be relocated to anywhere, but shall establish campuses as the need arises, and subject to availability of funds, because it is healthy and expedient for the rapid Development of the University.
“It follows that the establishment of Orerokpe campus of DSUST is lawful, legal, a necessity, a reality and very commendable. It will enhance the status of the University as rightly postulated by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Jacob Oboreh.
“Governor Oborevwori cannot and will never impair the development of Isoko Nation or any other ethnic nationality for that matter. His mission is to Advance Delta through the instrumentality of his MORE agenda,” Oghenesivbe said.