… insists together, we can ensure that DSUST remains a centre of excellence, benefiting all communities within Delta State
The Okpe Union on Saturday waded into the crisis surrounding the relocation of Faculty of Management Sciences in Delta State University of Science and Technology.
The worldwide body equally used the opportunity to deny a press issued earlier on the subject matter stating that it was the handiwork of impersonators and detractors.
Apparently sensing the drift in the narrative so far the Okpe Union declared that : “Let us engage in constructive dialogue, respecting diverse perspectives on this issue. Together, we can ensure that DSUST remains a centre of excellence, benefiting all communities within Delta State.
This was contained in a release signed by Okakuro Aboze Joseph, President-General
Okpe Union Worldwide putting the issue in its right perspective and what is obtainable worldwide in campuses affairs.
Read full release below:
“The Okpe Union has become aware of a circulating write-up on social and conventional media, which claims to have originated from the Okpe Union. We want to state categorically and clearly that this write-up did not emanate from us, but rather from impersonators and detractors who seek to deceive the general public and mislead the public’s minds.
” Therefore, the write-up should be dismissed in its entirety. The Okpe Union urges everyone to remain calm despite the ripples caused by the relocation of the Faculty of Management Sciences at Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, to Orerokpe in the Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.
“The Okpe Union, a steadfast advocate for peace, progress and the welfare of the Okpe people as well as peaceful co-existence with her neighbors, hereby issues this press release in response to the recent decision by the Governing Council of the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro to relocate the Faculty of Management Sciences from the University to Orerokpe in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.
” The relocation has sparked significant ripples leading to massive protests by some unprogressive elements of the Isoko nation.
Background:
“On Tuesday, 20th February 2024 Governor Sheriff Oborevwori announced that the National University Council (NUC) had approved the establishment of three new faculties at DSUST: Basic Medical Sciences, Pharmacy, and Health Science.
” Simultaneously, the Governing Council of the university signed off on the relocation of the Faculty of Management Sciences to Orerokpe, in the Okpe Local Government Area. This decision has ignited passionate reactions from both the Isoko and Okpe communities.
The Isoko Protest
“The Isoko people, who consider DSUST an integral part of their heritage, have expressed their vehement opposition to the relocation. Their protest disrupted economic activities and vehicular movement, with demonstrators vowing to occupy the Ozoro-Kwale-Asaba road until the state government reverses its decision.
“The Isoko Monitoring Group (IMG) conveyed their dissatisfaction and displeasure in a letter addressed to Governor Oborevwori, emphasizing that the relocation of this “key faculty” is unacceptable.
The Okpe Union’s Appeal for Calm
“As Okpe Union, we recognize the importance of education and development for our people. While we empathize with the Isoko nation’s concerns, we also believe in fostering progress across our entire state. Therefore, we appeal for calm and peaceful conduct during this challenging time.
“Establishing university campuses is a global practice. The Nigerian University Commission (NUC) follows regulatory provisions, so objections to the relocations cannot pass through the musket of empirical and statutory regulations.
Government Stand
“The state government also issued a statement released by the Commissioner of Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza hinting that a protest purportedly sponsored and coordinated by anti-progressive elements, was organised in Isokland ostensibly to express discontent over an erroneous narrative that the Delta State University of Science and technology ozoro is being relocated to Orerokpe. He added that the narrative is not only dangerously misleading but is also defiantly manipulated by misinformation and negative propaganda fields by known political detractors to achieve their selfish political gains.
“The statement added that the Delta State Government is saddened and disappointed that such a display of public discontent was allowed to take place, even after a very fruitful, cordial, and hugely successful meeting with His Excellency, Rt Hon Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State and the leaders of the recognised umbrella body of the Isoko Union, Isoko Development Union, where they were informed of the very positive initiatives and progressive strides toward strengthening the academic and educational standard of the Delta State University of Science and Technology Ozoro.
The Stand of Management of Delta State University of Science and Technology Ozoro
“The DSUST Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jacob Oboreh, has clarified that the relocation aims to accelerate development within the university. Twelve new programs in science and technology will be created immediately, alongside the establishment of faculties in Basic Medical Sciences, Pharmacy, and Health Sciences. Importantly, the relocated programs will not hinder the university’s progress.
“He assured all concerned parties that the Isoko and Okpe people would receive equal opportunities in terms of admission and other considerations. Our nascent university must serve as a beacon of knowledge and growth for all Deltans.
“Governor Oborevwori’s vision for rapid development extends beyond DSUST. We encourage our people to trust in his commitment to educational advancement and overall progress in our state.
Conclusion
“The Okpe Union calls for calm, and understanding among the Okpe people. Let us engage in constructive dialogue, respecting diverse perspectives on this issue. Together, we can ensure that DSUST remains a centre of excellence, benefiting all communities within Delta State.