Education
Delta Assembly launches probe into alleged DELSU recruitment scandal
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
14 Oct 2025 06:30 AM
Asaba, Delta – In a bid to uphold fiscal discipline and executive authority, the Delta State House of Assembly (DSHA) has constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate claims of irregularities in the recent recruitment exercise at Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.
The probe stems from a petition filed by two concerned citizens representing the "Concerned Stakeholders of Delta State," who accused the university's Governing Council and Management of flouting directives from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Visitor to the University.
The petitioners alleged that the authorities hired over 400 individuals, far exceeding the governor's January 2024 approval for just 100 new staff to fill critical manpower shortages.
During plenary session, Speaker of the House, Hon. Dennis Guwor, announced the committee's formation, appointing Deputy Speaker Hon. Arthur Akpowowo as Chairman and Clerk of the House, Barr. Oto Aghoghopia, as Secretary.
Five additional lawmakers were named as members, though their identities were not immediately disclosed.
Guwor mandated the panel to conduct a thorough inquiry and submit its findings and recommendations within three weeks.
Presenting the petition, Chief Whip Hon. Perkins Umukoro highlighted the governor's original approval as a targeted measure to address staffing gaps without straining state resources. The petitioners decried the excess hires as a blatant disregard for due process, labeling it a breach of accountability principles in state institutions.
They urged the Assembly to scrutinize the recruitment's circumstances and enforce compliance with future executive guidelines.
The controversy has sparked concerns over governance at DELSU, a premier institution in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, and could have broader implications for public sector hiring practices. As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders await clarity on the alleged over-recruitment, which petitioners claim undermines fiscal prudence amid economic pressures.
Assembly members emphasized their role as guardians of public trust, with the probe expected to shed light on the decision-making process behind the hires.
The probe stems from a petition filed by two concerned citizens representing the "Concerned Stakeholders of Delta State," who accused the university's Governing Council and Management of flouting directives from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Visitor to the University.
The petitioners alleged that the authorities hired over 400 individuals, far exceeding the governor's January 2024 approval for just 100 new staff to fill critical manpower shortages.
During plenary session, Speaker of the House, Hon. Dennis Guwor, announced the committee's formation, appointing Deputy Speaker Hon. Arthur Akpowowo as Chairman and Clerk of the House, Barr. Oto Aghoghopia, as Secretary.
Five additional lawmakers were named as members, though their identities were not immediately disclosed.
Guwor mandated the panel to conduct a thorough inquiry and submit its findings and recommendations within three weeks.
Presenting the petition, Chief Whip Hon. Perkins Umukoro highlighted the governor's original approval as a targeted measure to address staffing gaps without straining state resources. The petitioners decried the excess hires as a blatant disregard for due process, labeling it a breach of accountability principles in state institutions.
They urged the Assembly to scrutinize the recruitment's circumstances and enforce compliance with future executive guidelines.
The controversy has sparked concerns over governance at DELSU, a premier institution in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, and could have broader implications for public sector hiring practices. As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders await clarity on the alleged over-recruitment, which petitioners claim undermines fiscal prudence amid economic pressures.
Assembly members emphasized their role as guardians of public trust, with the probe expected to shed light on the decision-making process behind the hires.
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