Crisis Deepens at Auchi Polytechnic as Staff Challenge Promotion Decisions

By De-Patriot

Fresh controversy is brewing at Auchi Polytechnic as members of staff have raised serious allegations of abuse of office, injustice, and irregular promotion practices against the institution’s management led by Rector Dr. Salisu Shehu Umar.

Multiple sources within the institution told De-Patriot that the dispute stems from the alleged refusal of the management to fully implement promotion decisions approved by the Governing Council headed by Prof. Jonathan Mamu Ayuba.

According to staff members who spoke on condition of anonymity, the Governing Council had approved promotions for eligible staff across different departments and cadres. However, they allege that the management selectively implemented the approvals, promoting some individuals while leaving out others who were reportedly qualified.

“The Governing Council approved promotions across board, but what we are seeing is selective implementation. Some people who were not even due for promotion were elevated, while those who qualified were sidelined,” a senior lecturer alleged.

The development, insiders say, has created tension within the academic community, with several staff members accusing the management of undermining the authority of the Governing Council.

Sources further claimed that in some cases, individuals who were not listed in the council’s approval reportedly received promotions, raising concerns about transparency and adherence to established procedures.

Another controversial case cited by staff involves a lecturer who, instead of being promoted as expected, was allegedly suspended. Colleagues claim the action may be linked to internal disagreements, though the management has not publicly commented on the matter.

In a related development, some staff members were reportedly demoted or had previously granted promotions reversed. The affected individuals allegedly attribute the actions to what they described as a “vendetta-driven approach” by the current leadership.

One particular case drawing criticism involves a staff member who, according to colleagues, was demoted despite never receiving a formal warning letter. Sources say the individual was only informed of an alleged misconduct shortly before the disciplinary action was taken.
The mounting grievances have now escalated, with several affected staff members reportedly considering legal action. Some have described the situation as “academic banditry,” arguing that the integrity of administrative processes within the institution is being compromised.

Efforts to obtain an official response from the management of Auchi Polytechnic were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

Observers say the unfolding dispute could pose a major challenge for the institution’s Governing Council led by Prof. Ayuba, which is tasked with ensuring stability and adherence to due process at the polytechnic.

Auchi Polytechnic, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s flagship polytechnic institutions, has produced more than 37,000 National Diploma graduates within the last four academic sessions, underscoring its significance in the country’s technical and vocational education landscape.

Prof. Ayuba, who chairs the Governing Council, brings decades of experience spanning governance, political leadership, and educational administration. Analysts say his leadership will be critical in navigating the current controversy and restoring confidence within the institution’s academic community.