ASABA/Nigeria: Tension has gripped Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, following the controversial suspension of its Rector, Professor Emmanuel Achuenu, by the institution’s Governing Council. The decision has sparked outrage among staff and stakeholders, prompting clarifications from the state government on the limits of the Council’s powers.
Speaking on the matter during a radio programme, Orientation Panorama, the Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, declared the action of the Council as null and void. He stated unequivocally that only the Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, as the Visitor to the Polytechnic, has the legal authority to suspend or discipline a sitting Rector.
According to him, the Governing Council has no constitutional right to carry out disciplinary measures on a Rector. “The Chairman of the Council is only superior to the Rector during convocation ceremonies and Council meetings,” Prof. Tonukari explained. “They can recommend disciplinary action, but only the Governor can act on such matters.”
Away from the crisis, the Commissioner highlighted the impressive strides recorded in Delta’s tertiary education sector under Governor Oborevwori. He revealed that more than 600 academic and non-academic staff had been employed in state-owned institutions since the current administration came on board in 2023. He added that over 40 new academic programmes have been introduced across universities and polytechnics, driving up enrolment to more than 90,000 students.
Tonukari praised the Governor for consistently funding the accreditation of programmes and ensuring stable academic calendars across institutions. He said Delta’s universities and colleges have become attractive to students from across Nigeria due to their moral discipline, quality education, and prompt graduation timelines. “In Delta, a four-year programme is completed in four years. Our lecturers don’t go on strike because they are well paid and motivated,” he said.
He also spoke on the strategic renaming of Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, to Southern Delta University, Ozoro, aimed at broadening its academic offerings and positioning it for better NUC accreditation opportunities. He added that professional faculties such as Law will be established under the new structure.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the Southern Delta University campus in Orerokpe is steadily progressing and would soon house Faculties of Law, Arts, and Social Sciences to complement the already established Faculty of Management Sciences.
On innovation and research, Tonukari revealed that lecturers and students at Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, had developed a prototype fuel-powered generator. The government, he said, is backing efforts to refine and mass-produce the technology for wider use.
Commending Governor Oborevwori’s two years of leadership, Tonukari described his administration as visionary and disciplined. He said Delta remains a model for other states in terms of infrastructure development, prudent resource management, and commitment to educational excellence.
