Delta Lawmakers Probe DELSU Over Massive Over Employment Claims

The Delta State House of Assembly (DSHA) has launched a full-scale investigation into the recent recruitment exercise conducted by the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, following allegations of massive violations and over-employment.

Dependable NG reports that the action follows a petition submitted to the Assembly by “Concerned Stakeholders of Delta State,” who claimed that the university’s Governing Council and Management grossly violated the approval granted by the Visitor to the University and Governor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. The petitioners specifically alleged that the university employed over 400 persons, exceeding the approved number by more than 300.

The Speaker of the House, Hon. Dennis Guwor, announced the immediate formation of an ad hoc committee during plenary. The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, was named the Chairman, with the Clerk of the House, Barr. Oto Aghoghopia, serving as the Secretary. Five other members of the House were also appointed to the committee.

Presenting the petition, the Chief Whip, Hon. Perkins Umukoro, informed the House that Governor Oborevwori had, in January 2024, approved the recruitment of only 100 new staff to fill critical manpower gaps at the university. However, the petitioners claimed that the university leadership disregarded this directive and proceeded to employ over 400 people.

The petition described the university’s action as a clear violation of the Governor’s directive and a breach of due process, fiscal discipline, and accountability principles. The petitioners stressed that the development raises serious governance and ethical concerns, appealing to the DSHA to act swiftly to address the breach of executive authority and safeguard the integrity of governance in the state.

The Speaker has given the ad hoc committee a period of three weeks to conduct a comprehensive investigation and present its findings and recommendations to the House.