By An Investigative Journalist
The Governing Council of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku has suspended the Rector of the institution, Buldr. (Prof.) Emmanuel Achuenu, following allegations bordering on financial recklessness, corruption, abuse of office, and gross misconduct.
In a letter seen by this publication, the Council communicated the decision to Prof. Achuenu, with copies forwarded to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, and the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, the Governing Council expressed deep concern over the rector’s failure to respond adequately to a series of grave allegations despite being given ample opportunity to do so.
According to the Council, Prof. Achuenu was invited to appear before the Council to respond to detailed allegations, including an unauthorized expenditure of One Hundred and Eleven Million, Eight Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira (N111,860,000), which was N42 million in excess of the amount approved for an accreditation exercise. Rather than comply, the rector allegedly ignored the Council’s directive, an action seen as a deliberate attempt to frustrate ongoing institutional reforms.
Consequently, during its statutory meeting, the Governing Council unanimously resolved to suspend Prof. Achuenu for an initial period of six months with effect from Friday, July 4, 2025. The Deputy Rector has been directed to assume the role in an acting capacity.
However, documents obtained by this investigative reporter reveal a slew of serious allegations against the embattled rector. These include:
• Unlawful diversion of Polytechnic funds into the personal account of the Registrar for the unauthorized purchase of vehicles for principal officers.
• Unauthorized sale of Polytechnic assets without Council approval, contravening Delta State Government auction laws.
• Illegal withdrawals from the Nigeria Polytechnic Games Association (NIPOGA) account.
• Failure to remove the names of 19 deceased or absconded staff from the state payroll, despite Council directives.
• Employment of 19 permanent staff without Council approval, as well as the unauthorized recruitment of over 214 ad-hoc staff.
• Obstruction of the Council’s statutory meetings and disrespectful conduct, including lateness, talking down on Council members, and staging walkouts.
• Refusal to implement Council decisions, including the suspension of the institution’s Registrar and Bursar.
• Unexplained expenditure of N3.92 million purportedly as balance payment for generators that had already been fully paid for in 2023.
• Release of N6 million to a contractor, Chulico Best Ventures, for renovation of the Polytechnic Event Centre, despite no work having commenced.
• Irregular approval of N15 million for solar light repairs, contrary to an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the solar service provider.
In response to mounting concerns over alleged certificate racketeering and systemic corruption, the Governing Council, under the leadership of Hon. (Pastor) Paul Adingwupu, initiated sweeping reforms aimed at sanitizing the institution in alignment with Governor Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda, which prioritizes transparency, institutional accountability, and educational excellence across Delta State.
As part of this clean-up initiative, the Council earlier set up an investigative panel to ensure due process and fair hearing for all accused officials. Following investigations, the institution’s Registrar, Dr. Jude Okocha, was also suspended.
A senior staff member of the Polytechnic, who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity, expressed support for the Council’s action. “The era of impunity must end if we are serious about building a credible academic system. We support every genuine effort to restore order, accountability, integrity and excellence to our institution.”
Efforts to obtain a response from Prof. Achuenu were unsuccessful, as multiple calls to his mobile line went unanswered. However, what reportedly followed his suspension was disturbing; as the rector allegedly returned to the institution accompanied by suspected thugs, locked up the Council Secretariat, and issued a redeployment letter for Council staff. He was reported to have boasted that the Governing Council had been dissolved by higher authorities, a claim many described as audacious and unbecoming of an academic leader.
This development has raised critical questions as to: Who are the “powers from above” emboldening Prof. Achuenu to act with such impunity? Who is shielding him from the consequences of his alleged misconduct? These are questions that demand urgent answers from stakeholders committed to good governance, accountability, and the development of our educational sector.
As investigations continue, both the Polytechnic community and the public await the next steps in what is shaping up to be a landmark drive for integrity, transparency and reform in Delta State’s higher education sector.
