Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s decision to extend the retirement age of associate professors in Delta State-owned universities from 65 to 70 years 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.
Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, made this known during an interview, describing the move as a compassionate and timely decision by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to strengthen the academic workforce in the state.
He said the approval was a compassionate and strategic move to align with federal policy and support the evolving needs of the state’s university system.
He 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 like 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 programs, 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 programs 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.