Professor Robert Oghenedoro Dode, a renowned political scientist and public policy expert, is to deliver the keynote lecture at the 2026 Annual Conference and 6th Lecture Series of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF).
The conference is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at David’s Event Centre, GRA, Asaba, Delta State.
Dode, a professor of Political Science at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of the institution, will speak on the theme, “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges and Media Accountability in Nigeria.”
The lecture is expected to examine critical challenges confronting Nigeria’s democratic development, including the credibility of elections, security threats, institutional accountability and the role of the media in strengthening democratic governance.
A statement by DOPF said the professor’s extensive experience in political science, governance, public administration, electoral politics, security and strategic studies would add significant intellectual depth to the conference.
Dode, an indigene of Otorho-Idjerhe in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, holds a B.Sc. in Political Science and Public Administration and an M.Sc. in Public Administration from the University of Uyo. He obtained his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Port Harcourt.
He graduated as the Best Student in his discipline at the University of Uyo and has spent more than two decades in teaching, research, mentorship and university administration.
He has served as Head of Department, Dean of Faculty, Director of the School of Lifelong Education and chairman of several strategic university committees.
His academic and professional interests include Political Science, Public Administration, governance, public policy, development studies, international relations, electoral politics and strategic studies.
Beyond the university, Dode has contributed to academic and policy development through engagements with the National Universities Commission (NUC), where he has served 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, contributing to discussions on governance, security and strategic affairs.
The professor has equally served as external examiner and assessor to several Nigerian universities and received various honours for his contributions to scholarship and education.
The DOPF annual conference brings together government officials, policymakers, legislators, academics, media practitioners, civil society organisations, security experts and political leaders to deliberate on issues of national importance.
Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, is expected to attend the 2026 edition as Special Guest of Honour, alongside other prominent personalities.
The organisers said the conference would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to critically assess the pressures confronting Nigeria’s democracy and consider practical measures for strengthening electoral institutions, addressing security challenges, promoting responsible journalism and deepening accountable governance.
