Two prominent 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, October 30, 2025.
Hon. Augoye, who serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, focused his research on “Performance Appraisal of the Administration of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Selected States.”
On his part, Hon. Onwo, a former Majority Leader and current Chairman of the House Committee on Health, examined “Petroleum Subsidy Removal and Cost of Living in Nigeria: A Study of the South-South Geopolitical Zone.”
The panel of examiners commended both lawmakers for their impressive and policy-relevant research, noting the practical implications of their studies for Nigeria’s governance and development.
Head of the Department of Political Science, Dr Ndubuisi Johnson, lauded their commitment, discipline, and scholarly excellence, describing their success as a fine 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 attributed their success to God, acknowledging His grace in helping them overcome the challenges of the academic journey.
They also expressed gratitude to their families, colleagues, and supporters for their encouragement throughout the process.
