07/08/2026
BAYELSA STATE POLYTECHNIC, ALEIBIRI |
GOVERNING COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT
GOVERNING COUNCIL CLARIFIES THE BASIS FOR THE REAPPOINTMENT OF THE RECTOR
The Governing Council of Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri, has considered it necessary to clarify the circumstances, institutional considerations and statutory process that led to the recommendation and approval of Dr Wisdom Clinton Soreh for a further term of four years as Rector.
This clarification is issued in the interest of transparency, public understanding, institutional harmony and the continued progress of the Polytechnic.
Council states unequivocally that the recommendation was not influenced by personal interest, sentiment or any consideration outside the welfare of the Institution.
It followed Council’s direct assessment of the Polytechnic’s development, the critical stage it had reached and the need to consolidate the momentum already established.
COUNCIL’S INAUGURATION AND FIRSTHAND ASSESSMENT
The present Governing Council was inaugurated on Monday, 15 June 2026, at the Education House Conference Hall, Yenagoa. On 16 June, barely twenty-four hours later, members undertook an official visit to the Polytechnic’s permanent site at Aleibiri, Ekeremor Local Government Area. At that time, the Institution had spent less than one year at the site following its relocation from Elebele.
The visit enabled Council to inspect the Polytechnic’s academic, administrative and physical facilities firsthand. Members observed extensive renovations, completed and ongoing TETFund projects, modern academic and administrative buildings, equipped science laboratories, radio and television studios, mechanical and engineering workshops, and other facilities supporting teaching, research, innovation and practical training.
The Rector also briefed Council on further TETFund interventions and development initiatives in the pipeline.
ASSESSMENT OF LEADERSHIP AND INSTITUTIONAL PROGRESS
Council linked the visible progress to the Rector’s diligence, integrity, proactiveness, firmness, commitment and pragmatic leadership. It particularly noted his role in relocating the Polytechnic to its permanent site, expanding its infrastructure and academic capacity, and leading the accreditation of more than ten programmes, with preparations continuing for additional accreditations.
The Council Chairman, who had served as the 2nd Governing Council Chairman from when the Polytechnic commenced operations, possessed firsthand knowledge of its early challenges and aspirations.
Having witnessed the Institution at its formative stage, he regarded the progress seen in 2026 as a significant advancement towards the vision he expressed at the first matriculation ceremony in 2019: that the Polytechnic could eventually develop into a Technical Institution of world class standard or grow to a University of Science and Technology.
RETIREMENT DISCLOSURE AND EMERGENCY COUNCIL MEETING
During the visit, the Rector informed Council that his tenure was nearing completion and that he had attained the retirement age of sixty-five years. Council did not conceal, overlook or disregard this disclosure. Members were, however, concerned that an immediate change of leadership at a critical stage could interrupt ongoing projects, alter established priorities and slow the Institution’s developmental momentum.
The concern was not that the Polytechnic could not have a successor, but whether a period of continuity was needed to consolidate existing gains before transition.
Accordingly, the Chairman convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday, 17 June 2026. Fifteen of the sixteen Council members attended.
Following objective appraisal, Council rated the Rector’s performance as excellent, particularly in relocation, infrastructural development, TETFund interventions, academic expansion, programme accreditation and general institutional growth.
STATUTORY BASIS AND UNANIMOUS RECOMMENDATION
Council considered Section 8 of the Bayelsa State Polytechnic Establishment Law, 2014, which provides that the Rector shall hold office for four years and may be reappointed for one further period of four years and no more. Council further observed that the tenure and reappointment provisions cited do not prescribe a specific age limit for the office of Rector or expressly make retirement status a bar to reappointment.
Considering the Rector’s performance, the visible progress of the Polytechnic, ongoing projects, the need for stability and the statutory provision permitting one further term, Council unanimously recommended his reappointment.
The recommendation disclosed that he had attained sixty-five years and was forwarded to the Visitor for consideration. Council therefore maintains that no material fact was concealed and that the recommendation was intended solely to consolidate achievements, complete ongoing initiatives and establish a stronger foundation for future leadership.
GOVERNOR’S KNOWLEDGE, LEGAL REVIEW AND APPROVAL
His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, had firsthand knowledge of the Polytechnic’s progress. On 23rd May 2026, he attended its maiden combined convocation ceremony, commissioned projects and expressed satisfaction with the achievements recorded under the Rector’s leadership. Council’s recommendation was therefore consistent with progress the Governor had personally observed.
Nevertheless, the Governor did not act hastily. In keeping with due process and the rule of law, he referred Council’s recommendation, the Establishment Law and accompanying documents to the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice for legal review and professional advice.
Other legal authorities and distinguished legal minds were also consulted. Council states that the advice received affirmed that the relevant provisions permitted the proposed reappointment.
The approval, therefore, followed institutional assessment, legal scrutiny and careful consideration under the Bayelsa State Polytechnic Establishment Law, 2014, as amended.
ASUP’S ULTIMATUM AND COUNCIL’S RESPONSE
Following the announcement, the Bayelsa State Polytechnic Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, made public statements condemning the Governor's reappointment of the Rector and also stated that the tenure of the acting Rector that was appointed by council was terminated unduly, therefore issuing a fourteen-day ultimatum demanding its reversal.
The Union indicated that it would commence industrial action and shut down the Institution if their demand was not met by Friday, 7th August 2026.
Council considers the ASUP demand for the reversal of the Rector’s reappointment as a direct challenge to the authority vested in the Visitor, with the prerogative to appoint the Rector within the confines of the Bayelsa State Polytechnic establishment Law, 2014.
Council regards the ultimatum as a serious threat to industrial harmony, academic activities, students, parents, staff, and the stability of the Polytechnic. It convened meetings with ASUP, explained the institutional and statutory basis of its decision, and appealed for restraint and constructive dialogue.
Individual Council members also engaged the Union’s leadership. A Council subcommittee was subsequently constituted to examine ASUP’s concerns and explore areas of understanding. These efforts did not resolve the impasse, as the Union maintained that reversal remained its only acceptable outcome.
CONCERNS RELATING TO TETFUND, NBTE AND JAMB
Council is not unaware of reported threats to take actions capable of affecting the Polytechnic’s access to TETFund interventions and funding, the accreditation of academic programmes by the National Board for Technical Education, and its relationship with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, including admissions and the mobilisation of prospective students.
Access to intervention funding, programme accreditation and admissions is essential to the Polytechnic’s growth and sustainability. Any action that undermines these areas could harm students, staff, parents, prospective students and the wider public. Council therefore states that it will take appropriate lawful and administrative measures to protect the Institution’s academic, developmental and statutory interests.
GOVERNING COUNCIL DETERMINATION TO PROTECT THE WIDER POLYTECHNIC COMMUNITY
Bayelsa State Polytechnic employs more than four hundred members of staff, the majority of whom are not members of ASUP. Council stresses that their interests, responsibilities and rights may not necessarily coincide with those of the Union.
A shutdown or obstruction of statutory functions would consequently extend far beyond the immediate dispute: it could affect hundreds of employees and their families, interrupt students’ education and prospects, impede access to interventions and academic opportunities, and undermine development achieved over the years.
As the statutory body responsible for the governance and overall welfare of the Institution, Council must protect all stakeholders, including ASUP, non-ASUP staff, students, parents and the public. It recognises the right of lawful associations to pursue grievances through legitimate means but emphasises that such action must not infringe the rights of staff who choose to remain at work and perform their lawful duties.
Accordingly, Council will take lawful and appropriate measures to:
safeguard the rights and safety of non-ASUP members and other staff;
preserve the lawful and uninterrupted operation of the Polytechnic;
protect public assets, projects and educational infrastructure;
ensure that no employee is intimidated, prevented or obstructed from performing lawful responsibilities; and
protect the Institution’s academic calendar, accreditation, admissions and access to statutory interventions.
COUNCIL’S POSITION AND APPEAL
The Governing Council remains convinced that its recommendation followed a careful and objective assessment of the Rector’s performance and the Institution’s developmental needs. It also maintains that the recommendation and the Visitor’s approval complied with the applicable statutory process and were subjected to necessary legal consideration. It should also be noted that the acting Rector appointment was not a substantive appointment and could be terminated at any time a substantive Rector is appointed and does not in way concern the ASUP
Council remains open to constructive engagement and recognises the importance of industrial harmony. At the same time, it is committed to supporting the Visitor's decision and to protecting, consolidating, and sustaining the remarkable progress recorded by the Polytechnic.
However council maintains that the appointment and reappointment of a Rector does not fall within the jurisdiction of any Union but remains the sole responsibility of the governing council and the Executive Governor and visitor to the polytechnic, as prescribed by the Bayelsa State polytechnic Establishment law 2014 as amended therefore, ASUP is unduly interfering in the business of council and the Governor claiming supremacy over the Governor's decision that was legally and duly concluded
CONCLUSION
The Governing Council appreciates His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Executive Governor of Bayelsa State and Visitor to the Polytechnic, for his continued commitment to tertiary education and the development of Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri. It assures the Polytechnic community and the public that it will act within its statutory authority, pursue peace and dialogue, protect the academic calendar, safeguard staff and students, and sustain the Institution’s long-term growth.
However it is worthy of note that certain members of ASUP has called to dissociate themselves from the threatened strike action, stating that the decision is an interest of certain individuals and not a collective decision of every member of the association
Council calls on all stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding, as it is committed to constructive engagement in the collective interest of the Institution.
SIGNED
DIG Mike Odogu Zuokumor (Rtd.)
Chairman, Governing Council
Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri
