By Onomiguren Agbamu
Two esteemed members of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. James Augoye and Hon. Ferguson Onwo, have achieved a remarkable academic milestone, earning Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Public Administration from Novena University, Ogume, in Ndokwa West local government area of Delta State.
The lawmakers, representing Okpe and Isoko South II constituencies respectively, successfully defended their doctoral theses before a panel of examiners on Thursday, 30th October 2025.
Hon. Augoye, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, focused his research on the “Performance Appraisal of the Administration of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Selected States”.
While Hon. Onwo, a one time majority leader and current House Committee Chairman on Health, studied “Petroleum Subsidy Removal and Cost of Living in Nigeria: A Study of the South-South Geopolitical Zone”.
The panel of examiners commended Hon. Augoye and Hon. Onwo for their impressive research and policy-relevant studies, highlighting the significance of their work in the context of Nigeria’s development.
The Head of the Department of Political Science, Dr. Ndubuisi Johnson, praised their commitment, discipline, and scholarly excellence, noting that their achievements demonstrate a blend of political leadership and intellectual depth.
“This achievement underscores the value of continuous learning in leadership and public administration, as the lawmakers join the growing list of public officials in Delta State who have combined governance with academic excellence,” Prof. Johnson stated.
The elated Lawmakers returned all the glory to God as He alone made possible what seemed to be a very difficult task at the beginning of the academic process.
They also paid glowing tributes to family members, colleagues, and associates for their various support.
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