A fierce power tussle has erupted in Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, as the Chairman of the Governing Council, Pastor Paul Adingwupu, and the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, clash over the controversial suspension of the institution’s Rector, Prof. Emmanuel Achuenu.
At the heart of the crisis is an ongoing probe into alleged financial impropriety and certificate racketeering, which prompted the Governing Council to suspend the Rector.
However, the Commissioner has described the suspension as “procedurally flawed”, and has ordered a reversal, setting the stage for an escalating face-off between institutional authority and ministerial oversight.
In a strongly worded letter dated July 9, 2025, Pastor Adingwupu fired back at the Commissioner’s directive, asserting that the Council acted within its statutory powers under Part IV, Section 17(i) of the Delta State Polytechnic Law.
According to the Council, this section outlines the Rector’s duties but does not exempt him from disciplinary oversight.
The Council argued that Prof. Achuenu had been formally queried, provided an unsatisfactory response, and was subsequently invited to clarify the issues before the Council, an invitation he allegedly declined.
His refusal, the Council said, necessitated the suspension in the interest of the institution.
Adingwupu further insisted that Chapter 6, Section 6.5.1 of the institution’s Terms and Conditions of Service, cited by the Commissioner, does not apply to the Rector, as it pertains to subordinate staff.
Instead, he emphasized that the law clearly grants disciplinary powers to the Council in such matters.
Quoting Section 9 of the Delta State Polytechnic Law, the Council maintained that it has exclusive authority over institutional policy, finances, and disciplinary decisions, and described the Commissioner’s directive as overreach.
“In light of the foregoing and in the absence of any legal violation by the Council, we are unable to accede to your directive.
Accordingly, the Rector remains suspended in line with the Council’s resolution,” the letter read, with a copy forwarded to Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
However, the Commissioner, in his earlier letter dated July 7, 2025, referenced with MHE/DSPG/Conf/2, challenged the legality of the action, saying the Council had exceeded its disciplinary powers.
He stressed that the suspension of a Principal Officer must follow due process, in accordance with both the law establishing the Polytechnic and the applicable service rules.
“While the Ministry appreciates the Council’s commitment to discipline and accountability, actions affecting principal officers must strictly align with legal provisions,” Tonukari wrote.
Citing Part IV, Section 17(1), the Commissioner reminded the Council that the Rector ranks just below the Visitor (the Governor) in the institutional hierarchy, and as such, cannot be suspended unilaterally.
The standoff underscores deeper tensions within Delta State’s educational governance structure, raising questions over the limits of council authority, ministerial intervention, and the political undertones surrounding the matter.
As both sides dig in, stakeholders are now looking to Governor Oborevwori for decisive leadership to defuse the crisis before it further destabilizes academic and administrative activities at the Polytechnic.
It would be recall that the State Government directed the immediate withdrawal of a controversial query issued to Osato Edobor, a ‘failed’ nursing student at the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences, Agbor, in Ika South Local Government Area.
The query had accused Edobor of publishing an “unauthorized online post” related to the recent visit of the First Lady, sparking public outrage and raising concerns over students’ rights and freedom of expression.
In response to the growing backlash, the State Government stepped in, instructing the school’s management to rescind the disciplinary action without delay.
Speaking in a video message, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, assured the public that the current administration remains committed to protecting students from victimization under any guise.
However on the directive issued to the Governing Council in the ongoing crisis in Ogwashi-Uku Poly, public attention remains fixed on whether the Governing Council will fully comply, as tensions between the executive arm of government and the Council continue to simmer.
