By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The Governing Council of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, has reiterated its decision to maintain the suspension of the institution’s Rector, Bldr. (Prof.) Emmanuel Achuenu, despite objections raised by the Honourable Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari.
In a formal response addressed to the Commissioner and dated 9th July 2025, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Pst. Paul Adingwupu, reaffirmed that the Council acted within its statutory mandate in suspending the Rector over allegations bordering on financial impropriety and gross misconduct.
According to the letter, the Governing Council emphasised that the procedures leading to the suspension of Prof. Achuenu were 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 reportedly declined to honour the invitation, prompting the Council to resolve to suspend him in the institution’s best interest.
Supporting documentation, including the query, the Rector’s response, and the Council’s invitation, were attached to the letter and referenced as Annexures 1, 2, and 3 for Commissioner’s consumption.
In a sharp rebuttal to the Commissioner’s directive seeking the Rector’s reinstatement, the Council noted that only the Executive Governor of Delta State has the constitutional authority to countermand its decision. 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,” the letter concluded, “we are unable to accede to your directives. Accordingly, the Rector remains suspended in line with Council resolution.”
The letter was copied to the Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency. Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, who appointed the current Governing Council, signaling the possible need for the Governor’s final intervention in the impasse.