By Austin Ogwuda
…reinstate the suspended Rector until you follow due process – Commissioner
….No, the Council acted within its statutory mandate in suspending the Rector
THE ongoing crisis at Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku over alleged fraud and certificate racketeering has degenerated into supremacy battle between the audacious Chairman of the Governing Council, Pastor Paul Adingwupu and the State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari.
The Commissioner had faulted the suspension of the Rector of the school, Prof Emmanuel Achuenu, citing “procedural breach”.
Reacting to the Commissioner’s directive, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Paul Adingwupu wrote the Commissioner a letter dated today (9th July 2025), reaffirming that the Council acted within its statutory mandate in suspending the Rector over allegations bordering on financial impropriety and gross misconduct.
The Governing Council chairman stated in the letter that the procedure leading to the suspension of Prof. Achuenu was in full compliance with Part IV, Section 17 (i) of the Delta State Polytechnic Law, which delineates the roles of the Rector in academic and executive functions, but does not strip the Council of its disciplinary authority.
The Council also dismissed the application of Chapter 6, Section 6.5.1 of the institution’s Terms and Conditions of Service for Staff, arguing that the provisions therein do not apply to the Rector, who is not categorised under staff subject to those disciplinary rules. Instead, the document grants the Rector disciplinary authority over other staff members, not vice versa.
The Council stated that it had issued a formal query to Prof. Achuenu regarding the allegations, received an unsatisfactory response, and thereafter invited him to appear before it for further clarifications.
The Rector, according to the Council, reportedly declined to honour the invitation, prompting the Council to resolve to suspend him in the institution’s best interest.
It further stressed that the Commissioner, being a statutory member of the Council cannot unilaterally reverse a resolution passed by the Governing body.
Quoting Section 9 of the Delta State Polytechnic Law, the letter affirmed the Council’s exclusive powers to formulate institutional policies, control property and finances, and take decisions deemed to promote the Polytechnic’s objectives.
“In the light of the foregoing and in the absence of infringement of any law on the part of the Council, we are unable to accede to your directives.
“Accordingly, the Rector remains suspended in line with Council resolution”, the letter which was copied to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori stated.
Recall that an official letter addressed to the Chairman of the Governing Council Paul Adingwupu, with reference number MHE/DSPG//Conf/2, dated 7th July 2025, signed by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari stated that the Council’s action “exceeds the limits of its disciplinary powers”.
The Commissioner in the letter said “While the Ministry appreciates the Council’s commitment to upholding discipline and accountability in the Polytechnic, it is imperative to underscore that all disciplinary actions especially those affecting Principal Officers must comply with relevant provisions of the Law establishing the Polytechnic, as well as the applicable Terms and Conditions of Service”.
The letter drew the Council’s attention to Part IV, Section 17(1) of the law establishing the Polytechnic, which states: “The Chairman of Council shall, in relation to the Polytechnic, take precedence over all members of the Polytechnic, except the Visitor and the Rector except when acting as Chairman of the Congregation or Convocation, or in the course of performing his academic and executive functions.
“This provision, clearly places the Rector immediately after the Visitor in institutional hierarchy and therefore not subject to direct disciplinary action by the Council without following proper procedures”, the letter added.
