The Delta State Government has approved the extension of the retirement age for associate professors in state-owned universities from 65 to 70 years, a move described as both compassionate and strategic to bolster academic excellence, deepen postgraduate programmes, and strengthen mentorship for younger lecturers.

Announcing the decision on Friday in Asaba, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, said the extension—approved by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori—aligns with federal policy and responds to the growing demands of Delta’s rapidly expanding tertiary education sector.

Tonukari explained that while the federal government amended the law in 2012 to extend the retirement age of academic staff in the professorial cadre to 70, Delta State had previously implemented it only for Delta State University. The new directive now expands the implementation to all state-owned universities.

“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,” he said. “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.”

The commissioner dismissed concerns that the policy would limit employment opportunities for younger academics, noting that the Oborevwori administration has aggressively expanded the tertiary education sector, creating more positions for academic and non-academic staff.

“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,” Tonukari added.

He pointed to significant development across institutions such as Southern Delta University, Ozoro; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; University of Delta, Agbor; and the new Southern Delta University campus in Orerokpe, where infrastructure and programme expansion have nearly doubled capacity.

Tonukari further noted that the policy would ensure continuity and quality in the emerging postgraduate programmes in Delta universities by retaining senior academics capable of mentoring junior staff and driving research 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,” he said.

______________________________________________________________________ “Bridging Theory And Courtroom Practice” — Hagler Sunny Okorie, Nathaniel Ngozi Ikeocha Unveil ‘Functional’ Tort Law Book For Nigerian Legal System The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209. ______________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation ______________________________________________________________________ ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. Bonus: Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.

How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com

Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626

________________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence

Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via: 0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888 Website: www.alexandernigeria.com