Professor Robert Oghenedoro Dode, a renowned 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.
Professor Dode has accepted his nomination as Special Guest Lecturer for the event, which is expected to bring together key stakeholders from government, academia, politics, the media, civil society and the security sector.
The conference is themed “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges and Media Accountability in Nigeria.”
The professor is expected to draw on his extensive experience in governance, electoral politics, public administration, security and strategic studies to examine some of the major issues confronting Nigeria’s democratic journey.
His lecture is expected to focus on the integrity and credibility of electoral processes, growing security challenges and the role of the media in strengthening accountability, transparency and good governance.
His participation is also expected to deepen the intellectual content of the DOPF conference, which has continued to provide a platform for discussion on critical issues affecting Delta State and Nigeria.
Professor 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 obtained an M.Sc. in Public Administration from the same institution 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 within the university system, including Head of Department, Dean of Faculty and Director of the School of Lifelong Education.
He has also chaired several strategic university committees and contributed to teaching, research, mentorship and institutional development.
His areas of academic interest include Political Science, Public Administration, governance, public policy, development studies, international relations, electoral politics and strategic studies.
Outside the university system, Professor Dode has contributed to academic and policy development through engagements with the National Universities Commission, where he has served as a resource person, accreditation team member and academic assessor.
He has also served at the National Defence College, Abuja, as a Sabbatical Fellow, Guest Lecturer, Research Supervisor and Academic Resource Person, contributing to scholarly discussions on governance, security and strategic affairs.
The academic has equally served as external examiner and assessor for several universities across Nigeria and has received recognitions for his contributions to scholarship and educational development.
The DOPF Annual Conference and Lecture Series brings together government officials, policymakers, legislators, academics, media practitioners, civil society organisations, security experts and political leaders for discussions on issues of national importance.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, is expected to attend the 2026 edition as Special Guest of Honour, alongside other prominent personalities.
With Professor Dode as keynote lecturer, the conference is expected to examine the pressures confronting Nigeria’s democracy and explore practical approaches to strengthening electoral institutions, improving security, promoting responsible journalism and advancing accountable governance.
