By George Etakibuebu
On July 4, 2025, Delta State Governor, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, approved the extension of the retirement age for associate professors in state-owned universities from 65 to 70 years, a decision articulated by the State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, as a strategic and compassionate move to strengthen the academic workforce and align with federal policy. The policy which extends a 2012 federal law previously domesticated for Delta State University (DELSU) to all state universities, reflects the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to leveraging education for sustainable development.
By retaining experienced academics, the state aims to enhance its academic quality, foster mentorship, and drive institutional growth, thus aligning seamlessly with the administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda—Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
The Honourable Commissioner described the extension as a timely and strategic decision rooted in the need to bolster Delta State’s higher education system. That the policy aligns with a 2012 federal amendment that set the retirement age for academic staff in the professorial cadre at 70, while non-academic staff retire at 65 is highly commendable. For clarity, the policy which had been initially domesticated for only DELSU, Abraka, has now received the approval of Governor Oborevwori to extend to all other state-owned universities, including Southern Delta University (Ozoro), Dennis Osadebay University (Asaba), and University of Delta (Agbor). Prof. Tonukari further explained that retaining the senior academics leverages their experience to mentor younger lecturers, strengthen postgraduate programs, and enhance academic excellence.
This move, certainly, will address the evolving needs of Delta’s university system, which has seen significant expansion. The rationale is multifaceted. First, it addresses the shortage of experienced faculty in Delta’s rapidly growing tertiary institutions. With the establishment of new universities and campuses, such as the Southern Delta University campus in Orerokpe, the demand for qualified academics has surged. Therefore, retaining professors ensures a robust academic workforce capable of meeting accreditation requirements and sustaining quality education.
Second, it fosters mentorship, allowing seasoned academics to guide younger lecturers in research, teaching, and administrative roles, thereby building a sustainable academic ecosystem. Third, it aligns with an existing federal policy, thus ensuring consistency and positioning Delta as a leader in educational reform.
An important thing to note is the fact that this decision was not just merely administrative but an essentially compassionate act which recognizes the value of senior academics’ contributions to the state’s development. What is more, this policy also responds to global trends in higher education, where experienced faculty are retained to maintain institutional stability and competitiveness. By keeping professors in service longer, Delta can tap into their expertise to drive research and innovation – a critical components of a knowledge-based economy. As correctly argued by the Honourable Commissioner, the extension must not be viewed from the myopic prism of limiting opportunities for younger academics, no. On the contrary, the state’s expansion of tertiary institutions has created over 600 academic and non-academic jobs since 2023, ensuring ample opportunities for new entrants.
The question that engages the mind is what are the possible immediate advantages of this policy? The immediate benefits of this policy are significant and directly support the M.O.R.E Agenda’s pillars. Under Meaningful Development, through this policy, the state will experience enhanced academic quality and mentorship. No doubt, retaining professors ensures continuity in high-quality teaching and research. Senior academics bring decades of expertise, which is crucial for developing robust postgraduate programs. As Prof. Tonukari rightly noted, Delta’s universities are witnessing a rise in strong postgraduate programs, largely due to the contributions of experienced faculty. This strengthens institutions like DELSU, which aim to become globally competitive in research and teaching. By mentoring younger lecturers, professors help build a pipeline of skilled academics, ensuring long-term academic excellence. This aligns with the M.O.R.E agenda’s focus on Meaningful Development through education as a catalyst for socio-economic growth.
In terms of Opportunities for All, the policy will directly ensure institutional growth and accreditation. The expansion of Delta’s tertiary institutions, including new campuses and programs, requires experienced faculty to meet National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation standards. Retaining professors ensures that institutions like Southern Delta University and Dennis Osadebay University can sustain their growth trajectories. And as revealed by the Honourable Commissioner that since 2023 over 600 staff have been employed across Delta’s universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, this is a reflection of the administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for all. The presence of senior academics, therefore, supports curriculum development and program accreditation, enhancing the state’s reputation as an educational hub.
Under the Realistic Reforms pillar, the fact that it aligns with a Federal Government Policy makes it a policy that is well thought out and realistic. By extending the retirement age, Delta aligns with federal standards, streamlining its higher education policies. This reform ensures that state universities remain competitive with federal institutions, attracting top talents and fostering collaboration. Tonukari emphasized that this move is a realistic reform, building on the 2012 federal law and adapting it to Delta’s unique needs. It also demonstrates Oborevwori’s commitment to governance that is responsive to both state and national priorities.
Stability in academic leadership is sure to engender Enhanced Peace and Security which is the last crucial pillar of the M.O.R.E Agenda of the Governor Oborevwori administration. Experienced professors provide stability in university governance, reducing disruptions caused by faculty shortages. This stability supports a conducive learning environment, which indirectly contributes to peace and security by ensuring that educational institutions function smoothly. The M.O.R.E Agenda prioritizes enhanced peace and security, and a stable academic system supports this by fostering an educated and productively engaged populace.
There is no gain saying the fact that the policy has long-term benefits as it positions Delta State as a leader in educational and economic development, aligning with the M.O.R.E Agenda’s vision for sustainable growth. By retaining professors, Delta is investing in a sustainable academic ecosystem. Mentorship programs will produce a new generation of academics equipped with advanced research and teaching skills. This is particularly crucial for fields like science, technology, and medicine, where Delta’s universities, such as the Delta State University of Science and Technology, are expanding. The policy ensures that knowledge transfer continues, positioning Delta as a hub for innovation and research.
Retaining experienced faculty supports the development of skilled graduates who can contribute to Delta’s economy in sectors like agriculture, technology, and healthcare. For instance, the new Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences at the University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, will benefit from senior academics who can mentor students and drive research. This aligns with Oborevwori’s vision of leveraging education to create jobs and boost the state’s GDP.
One thing that we not not lose focus of is tha fact that Delta’s universities aim to achieve global repute in research, teaching, and entrepreneurship. Retaining professors ensures that institutions can compete internationally by producing high-impact research and fostering innovation. Tonukari stated this much when he said during his interaction with newsmen that senior academics are key to building postgraduate programs that meet global standards, positioning Delta’s graduates to excel in a competitive global economy. This supports the M.O.R.E Agenda’s focus on realistic reforms that produce long-lasting results. The policy complements Oborevwori’s youth empowerment initiatives, such as the recruitment of 3,000 teaching and non-teaching staff and bursary payments to over 60,000 students. By ensuring that experienced professors mentor younger academics, the policy creates a ripple effect, empowering youth through quality education and job opportunities. A robust education system contributes to social cohesion by providing equitable access to opportunities. The policy supports Delta’s multi-ethnic society by ensuring that universities serve all communities, aligning with Oborevwori’s commitment to unity and fairness. This will foster peace and security, a key component of the M.O.R.E Agenda, by reducing disparities and promoting inclusive growth.
• Etakibuebu, a public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos.
