The Coalition of Academics for Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori has called on Dennis Osadebay University (DOU), Asaba, to partner with the group in promoting evidence-based public discourse, democratic governance, and sustainable development in Delta State.
The appeal was made during a courtesy visit by the Coalition’s Coordinator, Professor Lawrence Omo-Aghoja, to the Vice Chancellor of Dennis Osadebay University, Professor Samuel Ovuete Aghalino, FHSN, MAAH, MNAL, MNARC.
Professor Omo-Aghoja congratulated Professor Aghalino on his appointment as Vice Chancellor and pledged the support and cooperation of academics within and outside the institution in advancing the university’s vision and strengthening its reputation as a centre of excellence.
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He explained that the Coalition is made up of scholars and professionals committed to objectively assessing governance, acknowledging outstanding leadership where deserved, and providing constructive recommendations aimed at improving public administration.
According to him, academics have a responsibility not only to criticise governments when necessary but also to recognise and encourage good governance and effective leadership.
Professor Omo-Aghoja disclosed that the Coalition intends to document and present verifiable evidence of the Delta State Government’s performance in infrastructure development, human capital investment, peace and security, and policy implementation through research publications, documentaries, public lectures, conferences, and advocacy programmes.
He announced that the Coalition would host a Strategic Workshop and Conference in the last week of September, bringing together academics, policymakers, professionals, and political leaders to examine democratic governance and assess the developmental achievements of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration.
The conference, he said, would feature keynote speakers from academia and politics who would evaluate governance outcomes using measurable evidence, enabling citizens to make informed assessments of government performance.
Professor Omo-Aghoja further revealed that the Coalition had begun consultations with critical stakeholders, including the Office of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the Speaker and members of the Delta State House of Assembly, and commissioners in key ministries, to build broad institutional support for its mission.
He noted that Dennis Osadebay University was deliberately selected as one of the Coalition’s first institutional engagements because of its strategic location in Asaba, its growing reputation for scholarship, and the Vice Chancellor’s extensive experience in socio-political and academic leadership.
Expressing confidence in Governor Oborevwori’s administration, Professor Omo-Aghoja stated that the governor had fulfilled many of his campaign promises through visible infrastructure projects and impactful governance across Delta State.
He urged Deltans at home and in the diaspora to continue supporting the state’s development agenda.
Responding, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ovuete Aghalino, commended the Coalition for its commitment to promoting intellectual engagement and strengthening democratic governance through research and policy advocacy.
Professor Aghalino recalled his participation in several intellectual platforms dedicated to advancing good governance and emphasised that scholars should actively contribute to public policy rather than remain passive observers.
He praised Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, noting that the administration had surpassed the expectations of many critics through its developmental achievements and governance initiatives.
The Vice Chancellor assured the Coalition of Dennis Osadebay University’s readiness to collaborate with the group, describing the proposed partnership as consistent with the institution’s vision of Academic Excellence, Global Reach, and Community Engagement through Town and Gown Relations.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Dennis Osadebay University as a globally competitive institution and a leading hub for scholarship, innovation, and community development.
