Delta Rector Accused of Misappropriation, Appoints Kinsmen as Probe Panel, Gov Oborevwori urged to intervene 

The crisis in Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku has raised serious concerns following fresh revelations of administrative decay, now mired in allegations of monumental corruption and widespread certificate racketeering.

According to an emerging investigative report on June 18, 2025, titled “DELTA STATE POLYTECHNIC, OGWASHI-UKU CRISIS: IS THE MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE COMPROMISED?”

suggests that the once proud institution of academic integrity was now grappling with scandals that have shocked staff, students, parents, and concerned citizens across Delta State and beyond.

However, the centre of this controversy according to the report was the Ministerial Probe Committee, appointed to investigate the scandal, which itself now faces serious accusations of bias, nepotism, and possible compromise. Investigations by independent journalists and internal sources revealed that three members of the probe Committee were from the same Ndokwa clan as the embattled Rector, Professor Emmanuel Achuenu. Notably, the Committee was reportedly chaired by Hon. Christopher Ifeanyi Osakwe, an appointee of a powerful state official, with Mrs. Bridget Odobor, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher Education, served as Secretary alongside other members from the Rector’s ethnic background.

Meantime, this composition had raised red flags: Where is the fairness and neutrality in such a lopsided appointment? Many within the Polytechnic and the broader public now asked.

What is not in dispute is that Professor Achuenu is working behind the scenes to derail any objective investigation, leveraging his connections within government circles, especially the Ministry of Higher Education.

Sources reported that the embattled Rector was determined to manipulate the process and shield his allies; the individuals linked to the ongoing racketeering scandal.

“The Rector is fighting with everything at his disposal to protect himself and his inner circle,” one senior staff member, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed.

“The current Ministerial Committee is compromised. The outcome, sadly, appears predetermined.”

A dismissive response by the Rector to inquiries about the allegations; “We are waiting for the Ministerial Committee’s report, ”has only deepened suspicion. Independent journalists have also uncovered that personal relationships between the Rector and members of the Committee undermine the credibility of the probe.

According to insiders, the Committee’s investigation had been shallow, interviewing only a few individuals, including the suspended Registrar, Jude Okocha, and Nduka Charles, both previously implicated in certificate fraud.

Journalists also uncovered fresh allegations of financial malfeasance against Professor Achuenu, including: N48 million spent without accountability during the Polytechnic’s last accreditation exercise, and over N500 million in unauthorized expenditures.

Most alarming was that the Rector had been accused of shielding key figures involved in certificate forgery, some of whom remained in active service. Despite substantial evidence, he continued to evade accountability, while publicly claiming to “await the Committee’s findings.”

Internally, the institution is now in a state of deep division. Staff accused the Rector of using divide-and-rule tactics, to weaken morale and disrupt academic leadership. Administrative systems are reportedly dysfunctional, with growing fears that graduates of the Polytechnic may face rejection internationally due to the stigma of fraudulent certificates.

It was widely acknowledged that the crisis had deep roots. Back in 2018, the former Rector, Professor Chiemeke (now Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, Agbor), had valiantly fought the same scourge of certificate racketeering. Today, sadly, the same corrupt networks appear to have reasserted themselves.

A civil rights group, while commending the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori for his reforms in tertiary education, has urged swift action to save the Polytechnic: “We cannot allow the hard work of this administration in upgrading Delta’s institutions to be undermined by inaction. The Governor must urgently ensure an impartial and thorough investigation.”

There are also worrying signs that key actors within the Registry Department remain entrenched, even defending those implicated in court cases is further evidence of systemic rot.

Meanwhile, staff and civil society voices are now united in their call for Governor Oborevwori to take decisive action: “Your Excellency, we plead with you: reconstitute this compromised Ministerial Committee. Bring in respected scholars and independent voices of integrity. The current Committee is no longer trusted, the world is watching.”

One staff member summed it up: “We cannot allow our children to suffer for the crimes of a few. Delta State Polytechnic used to be one of the best in Nigeria. We must act now to restore its credibility.”

As the Polytechnic community anxiously awaits the Governor’s next move, one thing is clear: the battle to save Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, from disgrace has only just begun.

However, attempts made to reach out to the rector for comments by our correspondent was abortive.