The Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, has formally reinstated the suspended Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, Professor Emmanuel Achuenu, following a review of the circumstances surrounding his earlier suspension by the institution’s Governing Council.
The reinstatement, which was made known through an official communication from the Ministry of Higher Education, comes after due consideration of reports and findings that trailed the decision of the polytechnic’s Governing Council to suspend Professor Achuenu.
According to the Commissioner, the Ministry found no substantial justification to uphold the suspension, and, therefore, directed that Prof. Achuenu resume his duties immediately as Rector of the institution.
While acknowledging the role of the Governing Council in overseeing the affairs of the polytechnic, Professor Tonukari stressed the importance of following due process and ensuring that disciplinary actions are guided by fairness, transparency, and existing regulations, as the move to suspend the Rector fell short of established legal procedures.
“While the Ministry appreciates the Council’s commitment to upholding discipline and accountability in the Polytechnic, it is imperative to underscore that all disciplinary actions, especially those affecting principal officers of the Polytechnic, must strictly comply with relevant provisions of the law establishing the Polytechnic, as well as the Terms and Conditions of Service applicable to principal officers”.
“Specifically, the attention of the Council is drawn to the following statutory provisions: Part IV, Section 17(1) of the law establishing the Polytechnic clearly outlines the hierarchical precedence in the Polytechnic. It states “The Chairman of Council shall in relation to the Polytechnic take precedence over all members of the Polytechnic except the Visitor and the Rector, except when acting as Chairman of the Congregation or Convocation or in the course of performing his academic and executive functions”, part of the letter read.
He also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to maintaining stability, accountability, and excellence in the administration of all tertiary institutions in Delta State, urging all stakeholders at the polytechnic to work in unity and avoid actions that could derail academic and administrative progress.
Prof. Achuenu was initially suspended for six months in the first instance, with effect from July 4, 2025, on allegations of gross misconduct and financial impropriety by the Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Paul Adingwupu.
The suspension letter also stated that the Rector had refused to appear before the Governing Council and instructed him to hand over all properties of the polytechnic in his possession to the Deputy Rector.
Since he was appointed the Rector of the institution, Prof. Achuenu has attained several enviable heights. He has ensured that all programmes in Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, are accredited and approved with an increase in carrying capacity. The Institution has also introduced more than 25 new programmes within the last 3 years, while also establishing a solar energy laboratory and training of students on skills in solar energy, in addition to the establishment of a Skills development centre. Under his stewardship, the institution has constructed and furnished a 300-capacity lecture hall from its internally generated revenue.
