Agboje Chuks
ASABA, DELTA STATE—The Delta State House of Assembly has sustained the suspension of the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, Professor Emmanuel Achuenu, following an indictment for alleged financial recklessness, misappropriation of funds, and gross disregard for the institution’s Governing Council and its establishing law.
The decision, contained in a report released on Thursday, October 23, 2025, follows a parliamentary investigation into the affairs of the Polytechnic.
The House upheld the six-month suspension earlier imposed on the Rector by the institution’s Governing Council.
In a sweeping resolution, the Assembly also handed down a six-month suspension to the Bursar of the institution, citing “complicity in acts of administrative irregularities and financial impropriety.”
The probe, conducted by a House Committee, revealed that the Rector’s administration allegedly engaged in several breaches of due process, including, unauthorized financial transactions, misuse of internally generated revenue, consistent neglect of Council directives
This platform unraveled that the funds meant for academic development, staff training, and infrastructure projects were allegedly diverted to unapproved uses, which was contrary to extant public service rules.
The Assembly has directed the State Auditor-General to immediately commence a comprehensive forensic audit of the Polytechnic’s financial records covering the past three fiscal years.
Lawmakers also mandated the Ministry of Higher Education to strengthen oversight across all state-owned tertiary institutions, to avoid such occurrences from happening
A source within the Assembly disclosed that the probe uncovered “multiple unauthorized withdrawals, inflated contract figures, and disregard for procurement laws.”
The House commended the Governing Council, led by Hon. (Pastor) Paul Adingwupu, for its “bold and transparent intervention” in attempting to restore accountability.
Recall that the Council had initially suspended the Rector and Registrar over allegations of certificate/result racketeering and financial impropriety, and accused the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Ogwashi-Uku Chapter, of a “politically motivated strike” aimed at derailing the investigation.
Significantly, a source hinted to our reporter that the six-month suspension effectively serves as an indirect sack for the Rector, who is reportedly due for tenure expiration in just five months.
The source further suggested that the entire ordeal might have stemmed from a “personal issue” between the Rector and the Governing Council Chairman, who was nominated by the immediate past Governor, Sen. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa.
The political dimension was further highlighted by some sources close to DELTA DECIDES that the individuals poised to take over management roles are all reportedly from the Delta Central Senatorial district, raising questions about possible political maneuvering.
The Assembly warned of further sanctions should any indicted official attempt to obstruct the audit or interfere with management during the suspension period, reaffirming support for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s efforts to reposition the education sector under the MORE Agenda.
