A major crisis is unfolding at Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, following a leaked audit report that has raised serious concerns over the institution’s finances. The report, compiled by the Staff Audit/Verification Committee, reveals over N500 million in alleged fraud, including ghost workers, duplicate salary payments, and staff who are either absent, deceased, or unapproved for employment.
The polytechnic, located in the Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, has been engulfed in a battle between its governing council and management ever since the committee’s findings were made public in late 2024. The findings suggest widespread corruption and mismanagement, prompting calls for an immediate investigation.
The audit committee, which was formed in August 2024 under the chairmanship of Paul Adingwupu, began its investigation into suspected fraudulent activities at the polytechnic. The nine-member committee, headed by Chika Ogonwa, was tasked with verifying staff credentials, investigating employment procedures, and checking attendance records.
According to the report, the polytechnic’s payroll system is riddled with irregularities. Among the key findings were allegations that staff members, including those who had been absent for years, were still being paid. Also, numerous cases of duplicate salary payments were uncovered, including instances where the same individual received multiple payments for the same period.
The report also revealed cases of deceased staff members, such as Okonjo Emordi Herbert, who was reportedly still on the payroll despite having passed away in June 2023. Other findings revealed that employees who had left the institution or had been absent for long periods without proper approval were continuing to receive salaries.
In total, the committee’s investigation suggests that more than N500 million was misappropriated through these fraudulent activities, including salary overpayments and the inclusion of “ghost workers” on the payroll.
The publication of the audit findings has led to a fierce dispute between the polytechnic’s governing council and its management. The report’s revelations have caused significant tension, with some sources alleging that the council chairman, Paul Adingwupu, has been using his position to make personal gains.
A source familiar with the internal workings of the institution, who requested anonymity, accused Adingwupu of embezzling funds for personal projects, including a reported N28 million contract to supply computers and an N10 million expenditure on biometric machines, neither of which was properly executed. The source also claimed that Adingwupu had misappropriated funds for personal office space and other expenses not approved by the polytechnic’s management.
The source further alleged that over N100 million had been spent on the chairman’s activities in the past year alone, including unapproved trips and personal expenses charged to the institution.
The scale of the alleged corruption has led to calls for an independent investigation. Staff and students have urged Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene and set up a commission to investigate the polytechnic’s management and its financial practices. There have also been concerns about the lack of basic amenities, such as electricity, despite the institution generating substantial revenue through student fees and other sources.
Despite the growing uproar, both Paul Adingwupu and Chika Ogonwa have refused to comment publicly on the audit report. The rector of the polytechnic, Emmanuel Achuenu, also dismissed the findings, claiming that the issues raised had already been addressed.
