By Our Investigating Journalist
The Governing Council of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, has suspended the Rector, Builder (Prof.) Emmanuel Achuenu, over allegations of financial recklessness, corruption, abuse of office, and gross misconduct.
In a suspension letter seen by this publication, the Council informed Prof. Achuenu of its decision, with copies sent to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, and the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari. The Council expressed deep concern over the Rector’s failure to adequately respond to the allegations despite being given ample opportunities.
According to the Council, Prof. Achuenu was invited to answer detailed allegations, including unauthorized spending of ₦111.86 million, which exceeded the approved amount for an accreditation exercise by ₦42 million. Rather than appear before the Council, he allegedly defied its directive—an action viewed as a deliberate effort to obstruct ongoing reforms at the institution.
At its statutory meeting, the Governing Council unanimously resolved to suspend Prof. Achuenu for an initial six months, effective Friday, July 4, 2025. The Deputy Rector has been directed to take over in acting capacity.
Weighty Allegations Uncovered
Documents obtained by this publication reveal a long list of serious allegations against the embattled Rector, including:
- Diversion of Polytechnic funds into the Registrar’s personal account for unauthorized vehicle purchases for principal officers.
- Unauthorized sale of Polytechnic assets without Council approval, violating Delta State Government auction regulations.
- Illegal withdrawals from the Nigeria Polytechnic Games Association (NIPOGA) account.
- Failure to remove 19 deceased or absconded staff from the state payroll despite Council directives.
- Employment of 19 permanent staff without Council approval and unauthorized recruitment of over 214 ad-hoc staff.
- Obstruction of Council meetings, disrespect towards Council members, habitual lateness, and staging of walkouts.
- Refusal to implement Council decisions, including the suspension of the Registrar and Bursar.
- Unexplained spending of ₦3.92 million as a “balance payment” for generators reportedly fully paid for in 2023.
- Release of ₦6 million to a contractor, Chulico Best Ventures, for renovation of the Polytechnic Event Centre, despite no work done.
- Irregular approval of ₦15 million for solar light repairs, despite an existing Memorandum of Understanding with the service provider.
Crackdown on Corruption
In response to mounting concerns over alleged certificate racketeering and entrenched corruption, the Governing Council—chaired by Hon. (Pastor) Paul Adingwupu—launched a reform drive to sanitize the institution in line with Governor Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda, which promotes transparency, accountability, and educational excellence.
As part of the reforms, the Council had earlier constituted an investigative panel to ensure due process and fair hearing. Following investigations, the Polytechnic’s Registrar, Dr. Jude Okocha, was also suspended.
A senior staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, commended the Council’s action. “The era of impunity must end if we truly want a credible academic system. We support every sincere effort to restore order, accountability, and integrity to our institution,” the staff member said.
Rector’s Alleged Retaliation
Efforts to reach Prof. Achuenu for comment were unsuccessful, as calls to his mobile phone went unanswered.
However, what reportedly followed his suspension has sparked outrage. According to multiple sources, the Rector allegedly stormed the institution with suspected thugs, locked the Council Secretariat, and issued redeployment letters to Council staff. He was also said to have boasted that the Governing Council had been dissolved by “higher authorities,” a claim widely viewed as audacious and unbecoming of an academic leader.
Unanswered Questions
This development raises troubling questions:
Who are the “powers from above” emboldening Prof. Achuenu to act with such defiance? Who is shielding him from accountability?
These are questions that demand urgent answers from stakeholders committed to transparency, good governance, and educational progress.
As investigations continue, both the Polytechnic community and the public await the next chapter in what is shaping up to be a landmark case for integrity and reform in Delta State’s higher education system.