Banner Online News

By Chukwudi Abiandu

Professor Robert Oghenedoro Dode, a distinguished political scientist and public policy expert, has accepted his nomination as Guest Lecturer and keynote speaker at the 2026 Annual Conference and 6th Lecture Series of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF).

The conference, scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at David’s Event Centre, GRA, Asaba, will focus on the theme: “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges and Media Accountability in Nigeria.”

Professor Dode, whose expertise spans governance, electoral politics, public administration, security and strategic affairs, is expected to critically examine the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the challenges confronting the country’s democratic development.

He is also expected to interrogate the need for credible and transparent electoral processes, emerging security threats and the responsibility of the media in strengthening accountability, transparency and good governance.

His participation, according to DOPF, is expected to add significant intellectual depth to the annual conference, which has emerged as a platform for public discourse on critical issues affecting Delta State and Nigeria.

Dode is a Professor of Political Science at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, where he previously served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics).

A native of Otorho-Idjerhe in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, he obtained his B.Sc. in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Uyo, where he graduated as the best student in his discipline. He subsequently earned an M.Sc. in Public Administration from the same institution and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Port Harcourt.

With over two decades of academic and administrative experience, Dode has held several positions of responsibility in the university system, including Head of Department, Dean of Faculty, Director of the School of Lifelong Education and chairman of various strategic committees.

His academic interests encompass Political Science, Public Administration, governance, public policy, development studies, international relations, electoral politics and strategic studies.

Beyond the university, Dode has contributed to national academic and policy development through his engagements with the National Universities Commission as a resource person, accreditation team member and academic assessor.

He has also served the National Defence College, Abuja, as a Sabbatical Fellow, Guest Lecturer, Research Supervisor and Academic Resource Person, where he contributed to discussions on governance, security and strategic affairs.

He has equally served as external examiner and assessor to several Nigerian universities and received several honours for his contributions to scholarship and educational advancement.

The DOPF conference is expected to attract government officials, policymakers, legislators, academics, media professionals, civil society organisations, security experts, political leaders and other stakeholders.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, is expected to attend the event as Special Guest of Honour, alongside other eminent personalities.

DOPF said the 2026 conference, with Professor Dode as keynote lecturer, would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to critically examine the pressures facing Nigeria’s democracy and consider practical measures for strengthening electoral institutions, addressing security challenges, promoting responsible journalism and deepening accountable governance.