Niger Delta
Commissioner Explains Oborevwori’s Retirement Age Extentoon For Associate Profs
The Commissioner for Higher Education in Delta State, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, has explained the decision of the State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to extend the retirement age of Associate Professors in the state-owned universities from 65 to 70 years.
He said the decision was driven by a need to strengthen the academic system, deepen postgraduate programmes, and ensure the mentorship of younger lecturers across the state’s expanding higher institutions.
Professor Tonukari, who made this known during an interview, described the move as a compassionate and timely decision by the Governor to strengthen the academic workforce in the state.
He said the approval was a compassionate and strategic move to align with Federal Government policy and support the evolving needs of the state’s university system.
The Commissioner explained that although the federal law was amended in 2012 and domesticated in Delta for Delta State University, Governor Oborevwori has now approved its full implementation across all state universities to enhance academic quality and institutional growth.
“In 2012, the Federal Government amended the law to extend the retirement age of academic staff in the professorial cadre to 70 years, while non-academic staff retire at 65.
“Delta State domesticated the law for Delta State University at the time, and now His Excellency has magnanimously extended it to Associate Professors across all state universities”, Tonukari explained.
He dismissed concerns that raising the retirement age would block opportunities for younger academics, noting that the state’s massive expansion of its tertiary institutions under Governor Oborevwori’s administration has created more academic space and employment opportunities.
“Since 2023, over 600 academic and non-academic staff have been employed across the four state universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education due to ongoing institutional growth and accreditation drives”, he stated.
The Commissioner highlighted significant expansion projects in institutions such as Southern Delta University, Ozoro; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; University of Delta, Agbor; and the newly established campus of the Southern Delta University, Orerokpe, saying these campuses have nearly doubled in size and capacity.
He also emphasized the importance of the extended retirement age in fostering strong postgraduate programmes, as more experienced academic staff are needed to mentor junior lecturers and lay the foundation for robust research and academic excellence.
“This decision is timely. For the first time, we are seeing very strong postgraduate programmes emerge in Delta State’s universities. These senior academics will guide the next generation and ensure the sustainability of quality education in the state”, Tonukari said.
He reiterated the Oborevwori administration’s unwavering support for education, describing it as a cornerstone for long-term development and capacity building in Delta State.
Albert Ograka, Asaba
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The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.
Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.
Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.
He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”
“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.
In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.
“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.
Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.
“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.
The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.
The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.
Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.
He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.
“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.
“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.
“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.
“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.
The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.
Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.
The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.
Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.
The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.
The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.
Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.
The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.
Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.
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