A major crisis is brewing at the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, as concerned youths from the host community have accused the institution’s Governing Council Chairman, Mr. Paul Adingupu, of high-handedness, abuse of office, and gross violation of laid-down procedures in the management of the school.
The allegations, contained in a petition addressed to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, were made public by a group known as the Concerned Youths of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom. The letter, titled “Save Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku and the Image of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom”, was jointly signed by Comrade Humble Ochei and Obichie Tony and circulated to journalists during a media briefing in the town.
In their statement, the youths claimed that since the appointment of Mr. Adingupu as Chairman of the Governing Council, both the Polytechnic and the surrounding Ogwashi-Uku community have experienced continuous unrest and administrative instability. They alleged that Adingupu has hijacked the operations of the Polytechnic, running the institution like a personal enterprise and sidelining both the management and community leaders.
According to the petition, Adingupu reportedly storms the Polytechnic daily, demanding confidential documents from staff members and allegedly threatening those who refuse to comply. The group warned that official Polytechnic documents have been seen circulating outside the school, which they believe is part of a coordinated attempt to blackmail the Rector and other top management officials.
The group further alleged that the Council Chairman has issued numerous queries to the Rector and his team, stifling administrative productivity and creating a toxic atmosphere that undermines the Polytechnic’s mission. Despite various interventions by community elders to restore peace and progress to the institution, they claim Adingupu has remained defiant.
The controversy escalated recently when the Polytechnic’s Registrar, Dr. Jude Okocha, was allegedly suspended under suspicious circumstances and without due process. The Concerned Youths argue that this move, carried out unilaterally by the Chairman, was not only illegal but provocative. According to them, the suspension of other senior staff members, including the Exams and Records Deputy Registrar and Mr. Charles Nduka, also took place without any formal queries, actions they describe as a blatant violation of institutional regulations.
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The youths also expressed frustration over Adingupu’s alleged failure to report a case of certificate racketeering that was brought to his attention as far back as June 2024. They believe this deliberate cover-up allowed the issue to fester and damage the Polytechnic’s reputation.
To worsen matters, the group claimed that Mr. Adingupu went ahead to appoint an Acting Registrar without the consent of the school’s management or the Ogwashi-Uku community, another move they insist violates the structure and autonomy of the Polytechnic.
Declaring that Mr. Adingupu’s actions are contrary to Governor Oborevwori’s “Renewed Hope for More” agenda, the Concerned Youths are now calling on the state government to immediately dissolve the current Governing Council. They are demanding its reconstitution with individuals who respect the role of the Council and are committed to promoting excellence in tertiary education.
Efforts to get Mr. Adingupu’s reaction were unsuccessful. When contacted by phone, he responded curtly, “I am in a meeting, meet my secretary,” and ended the call.