Delta Polytechnic embroiled in power tussle as Commissioner reinstates suspended Rector
There appears to be a power tussle between the Ministry of Higher Education in Delta State, the Rector, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku and the institution’s Governing Council.
While the Chairman of the Institution’s Governing Council, Paul Adingwupu, suspended the Rector, Prof Emmanuel Achuenu, for six months on allegations of gross misconduct and financial impropriety, the state Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Nyerhovwo Tonukari, formally reinstated him.
The suspension letter claimed 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.
But the commissioner, following a review of the circumstances surrounding the Rector’s suspension recalled him, maintaining that the move to suspend the Rector fell short of established legal procedures.
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 Prof Achuenu.
The Commissioner said the Ministry found no substantial justification to uphold the suspension and directed Achuenu to resume his duties immediately as Rector of the institution.
While acknowledging the role of the Governing Council in overseeing the affairs of the polytechnic, Tonukari stressed the importance of following due process and ensuring that disciplinary actions are guided by fairness, transparency and existing regulations.
“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.
“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.
Delta Polytechnic embroiled in power tussle as Commissioner reinstates suspended Rector
