Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, is facing a fresh crisis after the governing council chairman, Paul Adingwupu, unilaterally appointed Chika Ogonwa, a Chief Lecturer and HOD, as Acting Deputy Rector. This move has sparked outrage among senior academic staff, who argue it contravenes the laws establishing the institution.

The crisis follows the suspension of the Polytechnic’s Rector, Prof. Emmanuel Achuenu, Bursar Lawrence Ahwabighe, and Registrar Jude Okocha for six months over alleged certificate racketeering and financial irregularities, a decision announced by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori through the Secretary to the State Government. The Governor directed the Deputy Rector to serve as Acting Rector, but the council chairman’s appointment of an Acting Deputy Rector has intensified tensions.

Concerns Raised:

• Staff claim the council overstepped its authority, as appointments of Deputy Rectors fall under the Academic Board, not the council.
• Allegations of intimidation, threats of job termination, and even death threats against staff have been raised.
• ASUP (Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics), Delta State Polytechnic chapter, condemned the council’s actions, emphasizing that due process must be followed and that the school environment has become more tense and fearful.
• Some insiders allege that personal ambitions and political sponsorship influenced the appointments and suspensions, pointing to a lack of transparency and bias in the council’s actions.

Efforts to reach the governing council chairman for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.