BREAKING: Delta Assembly Indicts Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic Rector for Financial Misconduct, Upholds Suspension

The Delta State House of Assembly has indicted the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, Professor Emmanuel Achuenu, for alleged financial recklessness, misappropriation of funds, and gross disregard for the institution’s Governing Council and the law establishing the Polytechnic.

In its report released on Thursday, October 23, 2025, following a parliamentary investigation, the House upheld the six-month suspension earlier imposed on the Rector by the Governing Council of the Polytechnic. The Assembly also handed down a six-month suspension to the Bursar of the institution, over what it described as “complicity in acts of administrative irregularities and financial impropriety.”

The House Committee which conducted the probe, revealed that the Rector’s administration engaged in several breaches of due process, including unauthorized financial transactions, misuse of internally generated revenue, and consistent neglect of Council directives.

According to findings, the Rector allegedly diverted funds meant for academic development, staff training, and infrastructure projects to unapproved uses, contrary to extant public service rules.

The Assembly commended the Governing Council, chaired by Hon. (Pastor) Paul Adingwupu, for what it described as a “bold and transparent intervention” in restoring accountability and integrity to the institution’s management.

Recall that the Council had earlier suspended the Rector and the Registrar following allegations of certificate and result racketeering, misappropriation of funds, and abuse of office, which were under investigation.

In a statement issued at the time, the Governing Council accused the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Ogwashi-Uku Chapter, of embarking on a “politically motivated strike” aimed at derailing the investigation and shielding indicted officials from due process.

The Council had maintained that the strike action was ill-advised and influenced by hidden interests, insisting that the probe would continue unhindered.

In its latest resolution, the Delta State House of Assembly directed the State Auditor-General to commence a comprehensive forensic audit of the Polytechnic’s financial records covering the past three fiscal years.

The lawmakers also mandated the Ministry of Higher Education to strengthen oversight and ensure full compliance with administrative and financial regulations across all state-owned tertiary institutions.

A source within the Assembly disclosed that several irregularities were uncovered during the probe, including multiple unauthorized withdrawals, inflated contract figures, and disregard for procurement laws.

The Assembly warned that further sanctions could follow if any indicted official attempts to obstruct the audit or interfere with the institution’s management during the suspension period.

The report urged the Delta State Government to fast-track reforms aimed at promoting transparency, efficiency, and ethical leadership in state-owned tertiary institutions.

Meanwhile, the House reaffirmed its support for Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s ongoing efforts to reposition the education sector under the MORE Agenda, stressing that no individual or group would be allowed to sabotage government’s vision for academic excellence and accountability.