Professor Robert Oghenedoro Dode, a distinguished political scientist, scholar and public policy expert, will deliver the keynote lecture at the 2026 Annual Conference and 6th Lecture Series of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at David’s Event Centre, GRA, Asaba.
Dode, who has accepted his nomination as Guest Lecturer, will speak on the theme, “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges and Media Accountability in Nigeria.”
His presentation is expected to examine critical issues affecting Nigeria’s democratic development, including the credibility of electoral processes, emerging security challenges, the state of democratic institutions and the role of the media in promoting accountability, transparency and good governance.
Dode is a Professor of Political Science at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, where he has served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics). He is a native of Otorho-Idjerhe in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.
He obtained a 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 university and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Port Harcourt.
With more than two decades of academic and administrative experience, Dode has held several leadership positions, including Head of Department, Dean of Faculty, Director of the School of Lifelong Education and Chairman of various university committees.
His areas of academic interest include Political Science, Public Administration, Governance, Public Policy, Development Studies, International Relations, Electoral Politics and Strategic Studies.
Beyond the university environment, Dode has contributed to academic and policy development through 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, contributing to discussions on governance, security and strategic affairs.
The DOPF conference is expected to attract government officials, policymakers, legislators, academics, media professionals, civil society organisations, security experts, political leaders and other stakeholders.
Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, is expected to attend the event as Special Guest of Honour, alongside other eminent personalities.
The organisers said the participation of Professor Dode would add significant intellectual depth to the conference, which is expected to provide a platform for examining the challenges confronting Nigeria’s democracy and discussing practical measures to strengthen electoral institutions, improve security, promote responsible journalism and enhance accountable governance.
