Delta Assembly Investigates DELSU on Employment Crisis

Table of Contents

1. Formation of the Ad Hoc Committee
2. Background of the Petition
3. Investigation Details
4. Governance Concerns

The Delta State House of Assembly (DSHA) has established an ad hoc committee to investigate the recent recruitment process carried out by Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.

This action was prompted by a petition submitted to the Assembly by two citizens of the state representing the “Concerned Stakeholders of Delta State.” The petition claims that the university's recruitment process, conducted by the Governing Council and Management, significantly contravened the approval granted by the Visitor to the University and Governor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

The petitioners asserted that the Governing Council and Management hired over 400 individuals—surpassing the authorized number by more than 300.

During a plenary session, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Dennis Guwor, announced the creation of the committee, appointing the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, as Chairman, while Barr. Oto Aghoghopia, the Clerk of the House, will act as Secretary.

Additionally, five other members from the House were appointed to the committee.

The Speaker instructed the ad hoc committee to conduct a thorough investigation and submit its findings and recommendations within three weeks.

In presenting the petition to the House, the Chief Whip, Hon. Perkins Umukoro, noted that the Governor had approved the hiring of 100 new staff for the university in January 2024 to fill critical manpower shortages.

However, the petitioners alleged that the university's Governing Council and Management ignored this directive and proceeded to hire over 400 individuals—exceeding the approved number by more than 300.

They characterized this action as a blatant violation of the Governor's directive and a breach of the principles of due process, fiscal discipline, and accountability that govern state-owned institutions.

The petitioners expressed that this situation raises significant governance and ethical issues, prompting their request for the Assembly to carry out a detailed investigation into the matter.

“This petition is submitted in good faith and in the collective interest of the people of Delta State. We trust that the Delta State House of Assembly, as the representative body of the people and a guardian of accountability, will act promptly to rectify this breach of executive authority and uphold the integrity of governance in our state,” the statement concluded.