Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, is engulfed in controversy following the governing council chairman’s unilateral appointment of a Chief Lecturer as Acting Deputy Rector, a move senior staff claim violates institutional laws.
The crisis follows the six-month suspension of the Rector, Prof. Emmanuel Achuenu, the Registrar, Jude Okocha, and the Bursar, Lawrence Ahwabighe, over alleged certificate racketeering and financial irregularities.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had directed the Deputy Rector to serve as Acting Rector, but the council reportedly bypassed the law by appointing Dr Chika Ogonwa as Acting Deputy Rector.
Academic staff argue that only the Academic Board can appoint a Deputy Rector, with the council empowered merely to ratify such appointments. A Director at the State Ministry of Justice described the action as a serious usurpation of governmental powers and called for urgent intervention.
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Ogwashi-Uku chapter, condemned alleged intimidation and threats against staff, stressing that the suspension has heightened tension on campus. Union Chairman Michael Ogana urged that due process be followed and that both council and management operate within the law.
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