Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has ordered the immediate reinstatement of the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, Bldr. Prof. Emmanuel Achuenu, after declaring his recent suspension by the institution’s Governing Council as illegal, improper, and in violation of established procedures.
In a strongly worded directive dated July 7, 2025, and signed by the Honourable Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, the Ministry of Higher Education rebuked the Council’s decision, describing it as a blatant abuse of power and a gross violation of the law governing the Polytechnic. The suspension, based on allegations of financial impropriety and gross misconduct, was deemed null and void for failing to follow statutory disciplinary procedures.
The Ministry emphasized that the Governing Council has no legal right to suspend a principal officer like the Rector without following due process. Citing Part IV, Section 17(1) of the Polytechnic’s Establishment Law, the Ministry made it clear that only the Governor, as Visitor to the institution, has the authority to approve such disciplinary actions, and only after a recommendation is properly channeled through the Commissioner for Higher Education.
Further, the Ministry highlighted that Chapter 6, subsection 6.5.1 of the institution’s Terms of Service outlines specific steps that must be taken before any suspension: a formal written query must be issued, followed by the constitution of a proper investigative panel comprising three Council members, a representative of the Academic Board, and a Congregation member of equal or higher rank than the officer involved. None of these steps were followed in Prof. Achuenu’s case.
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No evidence was provided to show that any query had been issued or that the mandated panel was constituted. The Council also failed to notify or obtain approval from the Governor through the Ministry before taking action, further compounding the illegality of the suspension.
Referencing Part VII, Section 34(1 & 2) of the Establishment Law, the Ministry reminded the Council that even when dealing with disciplinary matters concerning its own members, recommendations must pass through the Commissioner to the Visitor for approval.
Describing the Council’s actions as a clear overreach of authority, the Ministry concluded that the purported suspension has no legal basis and must be reversed immediately. It ordered the full and unconditional reinstatement of Prof. Achuenu warned that any future disciplinary process must adhere strictly to the rule of law.
This latest development has sparked renewed scrutiny on governance standards within Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, with stakeholders now questioning the credibility and procedural competence of its Governing Council. The reinstatement directive also reaffirms the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to institutional justice, due process, and the preservation of law and order across all educational institutions in Delta State.
