By Our Investigative Correspondent
June 18, 2025
Fresh revelations have uncovered the depth of administrative decay at Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, where the institution is now engulfed in a scandal involving large-scale corruption and rampant certificate racketeering.
Once revered as a beacon of academic excellence, the Polytechnic now finds itself under intense public scrutiny, with staff, students, parents, and civil society expressing outrage over the state of affairs. At the heart of the unfolding drama is a Ministerial Committee tasked with investigating the crisis—now itself accused of bias, nepotism, and a possible cover-up.
Concerns Over Committee Composition
Investigations by independent journalists and insider sources have revealed that at least three members of the Committee share the same Ndokwa ethnic background as the embattled Rector, Professor Emmanuel Achuenu. More notably, the Committee is chaired by Hon. Christopher Ifeanyi Osakwe, a known political ally of a top government official, while Mrs. Bridget Odobor, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher Education, serves as Secretary. Critics say this composition raises serious concerns about impartiality.
“Where is the fairness in appointing a panel so closely aligned—ethnically and politically—with the individual at the centre of the investigation?” one concerned academic queried.
Allegations of Manipulation and Cover-Up
Sources within the institution allege that Professor Achuenu is actively working behind the scenes to influence the investigation. Multiple insiders claim he is leveraging powerful connections within the Ministry of Higher Education to derail any genuine probe.
“The Rector is deploying every resource at his disposal to shield himself and his loyalists,” a senior staff member said under condition of anonymity. “The Committee’s current posture suggests the outcome is already predetermined.”
When approached for comment, Professor Achuenu curtly responded, “We are waiting for the Ministerial Committee’s report,” a statement that has only deepened suspicions among stakeholders.
Further investigations have revealed that longstanding personal and professional ties exist between the Rector and some Committee members, raising fears that the probe may amount to little more than a whitewash.
Weak Probe, Strong Allegations
Insiders say the Committee has conducted a cursory investigation, interviewing only a handful of individuals, including suspended Registrar Jude Okocha and Nduka Charles, both previously indicted in certificate fraud scandals.
Adding to the institution’s woes are new allegations of financial impropriety. Professor Achuenu is accused of mismanaging N48 million during the last accreditation exercise and authorizing over N500 million in expenditures without proper oversight.
Equally troubling are accusations that he continues to shield individuals implicated in forgery scandals—some of whom remain in active service. Despite mounting evidence, the Rector has evaded accountability, all while claiming to await the Committee’s findings.
Institution in Crisis
Internally, the Polytechnic is in turmoil. Staff accuse the Rector of employing divide-and-rule tactics that have fractured morale and disrupted administrative functions. There is growing concern that the institution’s tarnished image could result in its graduates facing rejection from foreign institutions or employers due to questions over certificate authenticity.
This is not the first time the Polytechnic has faced such a crisis. In 2018, then-Rector Professor Stella Chiemeke (now Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, Agbor) fought hard against similar racketeering syndicates. Sadly, those same corrupt networks appear to have regained control.
Calls for Urgent Intervention
A prominent civil rights organization, while commending Governor Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori for his reforms in tertiary education, has urged immediate intervention.
“We cannot allow the Governor’s noble efforts to modernize Delta’s educational sector to be undermined by inaction,” the group said in a statement. “The probe panel must be reconstituted and include credible, independent experts to ensure justice.”
Even more concerning is the apparent resilience of corrupt elements within the Registry Department, who reportedly continue to support individuals facing court cases for certificate fraud—further proof, critics say, of systemic rot.
A Final Plea to the Governor
Now, a chorus of voices—from within the Polytechnic and across civil society—is calling on Governor Oborevwori to act decisively.
“Your Excellency, the current Ministerial Committee has lost public trust,” one staff union leader declared. “We urge you to appoint a new, unbiased team of respected scholars and independent observers. The world is watching.”
A staff member may have said it best: “We cannot allow our children to suffer for the crimes of a few. Delta State Polytechnic used to be among the best in Nigeria. Now is the time to restore its integrity.”
As the Delta State government weighs its next steps, one thing remains clear: the battle to salvage the soul of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, is far from over.