By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
In a move hailed as both visionary and strategic, Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has approved the extension of the retirement age for associate professors in all state-owned universities from 65 to 70 years — a policy shift aimed at deepening academic excellence, strengthening postgraduate programmes, and preserving institutional knowledge in the state’s expanding tertiary education sector.
Speaking on the significance of the decision, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, said the governor’s action reflects a deliberate commitment to sustainable academic growth and aligns with national best practices.
“This is a compassionate and strategic policy,” Tonukari said during an interview. “It will allow senior lecturers to continue mentoring younger academics, provide continuity in growing departments, and enhance the quality of postgraduate training in our state universities.”
Although the federal government amended the law in 2012 to peg the retirement age of academic staff in the professorial cadre at 70 years, Delta State had only partially adopted the policy in Delta State University, Abraka. Governor Oborevwori’s recent approval now ensures uniform implementation across all state-owned universities, including Southern Delta University, Ozoro; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; and the University of Delta, Agbor.
Tonukari dismissed fears that the extended retirement age would limit opportunities for younger lecturers, noting that the Oborevwori administration has made significant investments in educational expansion.
“Since 2023, we have employed over 600 academic and non-academic staff across state universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The institutions are growing, not shrinking. There’s room for everyone,” he assured.
He further highlighted the infrastructural expansion and accreditation breakthroughs recorded at the various campuses, including the newly established campus of Southern Delta University in Orerokpe, which have nearly doubled the capacity of Delta’s higher education system.
According to the commissioner, the presence of experienced associate professors is critical to the growth of research and innovation in Delta’s universities.
“For the first time, our postgraduate programmes are taking shape in a meaningful way. These senior academics are needed to lay the groundwork, supervise theses, and build a culture of academic excellence that can stand the test of time,” Tonukari added.
He reaffirmed the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to education as a pillar of long-term development in Delta State, saying the governor is determined to equip institutions with the human capital needed to compete on national and global levels.
“Education is at the heart of our development blueprint. This policy decision isn’t just about age; it’s about investing in the future of Delta,” Tonukari concluded.