The Take It Back (TIB) Movement, Delta State Chapter has formally petitioned the Delta State House of Assembly over what it described as “serious and systemic misconduct” at the Delta State College of Health Sciences and Technology.
In a petition dated February 27, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman, House Committee on Health, Delta State House of Assembly, Asaba, the Take It Back Movement, Delta Chapter alleged financial irregularities, unaccredited admissions, victimization of staff and students, breach of due process, and violations of approved zoning protocols within the institution.
Copies of the petition were also submitted to the Honourable Commissioner for Health, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and the Secretary to the State Government.
Alleged Diversion of Student Fees
At the core of the petition is an allegation that students were directed to pay certain institutional fees into personal bank accounts allegedly belonging to the College Bursar, Mr. Ovie Otuedor, rather than the officially recognized government account of the institution.
The petition claims that such directives were issued following instructions from the Provost and were communicated during meetings with student course representatives.
According to the Chapter, “all monies released, withdrawn, or otherwise used by the College are supposed to be approved by the Governing Council to ensure transparency and accountability.” It argued that the alleged diversion of funds into personal accounts “circumvents due process, prevents proper financial oversight, and enables potential misappropriation of public funds.”
The movement described the practice as a “serious breach of public financial regulations” and warned that, if proven, it could amount to misappropriation, criminal breach of trust, and abuse of office.
Convocation Refund Controversy
The petition further alleged irregularities in the handling of convocation fees. Students reportedly paid ₦55,000 — ₦50,000 to the school account and ₦5,000 to an alumni account, with a memo indicating that ₦15,000 would be refunded upon return of academic gowns. However, the Chapter made it known that “many students who submitted their bank details have not received the refundable ₦15,000,” particularly those who travelled from distant locations for the ceremony and returned without clear communication regarding their refunds.
It also questioned whether withdrawals made for the convocation and matriculation exercises were duly approved by the Governing Council.
Unaccredited Programme and Irregular Admissions
TIB Delta State Chapter alleged that the Department of Pharmacy admitted students into a programme not accredited by the National Board for Technical Education, thereby preventing affected students from being indexed or sitting for recognized professional examinations.
The petition further claimed that admissions, which should ordinarily be processed through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, were conducted using internal school forms, potentially exposing students to invalid certification and financial loss.
Assault Allegation and Student Suspension
The movement also raised concerns over the reported assault of a student by an individual allegedly assisting the Head of Department in the Medical Laboratory Department but who is not formally recognized as staff of the College.
Rather than an impartial investigation, the petition alleged that the student was suspended for one academic session “through a disciplinary process lacking fairness and due process.”
It specifically referenced the suspension of a final-year Medical Laboratory student, Onoriode Clement, stating that the suspension letter did not specify duration and that there was “no clear evidence of offence or record of proper investigation.”
The Chapter cited Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees fair hearing, arguing that indefinite suspension without disciplinary conclusion “may amount to administrative injustice and expose the institution to litigation.”
Staff Victimization and Indefinite Suspensions
According to the petition, several senior academic staff, including Heads of Department, have been placed on indefinite suspension since November 2025 without clear timelines or documented findings of misconduct.
The petition described the pattern as “systemic governance failure,” alleging that disciplinary measures were being applied without adherence to principles of natural justice.
Breach of Zoning Protocol in Registrar Appointment
TIB also alleged a breach of the state’s rotational zoning protocol in the appointment of the College Registrar. Under the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the petition noted, Ika North-East was designated to produce the Registrar. However, it was made known that the directive was ignored and the position filled outside the approved zoning structure.
“This is not a question of ethnicity or qualification,” the petition stated, “but of adherence to due process, government directives, and institutional balance.”
Questionable Administrative Appointments
The petition further raised concerns about leadership capacity within the Department of Dental Surgery, reportedly headed by an HND holder as the highest professional qualification in the department.
According to the movement, this raises questions about compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards for ND and HND programmes.
Call for Legislative Investigation
- In its prayer to the House Committee on Health, TIB Delta State Chapter requested:
- Immediate review of all staff and student suspensions to ensure compliance with due process.
- Clarification of the authority of non-staff individuals operating within the College.
- A forensic audit of Health Week funds, external examination fees, and convocation proceeds.
- Immediate disbursement of outstanding student refunds.
- Corrective measures to restore lawful administrative and financial order.
The petition was signed by Comrade Ochuko Famili, Coordinator of the Delta State Take It Back Movement, who stated that the action was taken “in good faith in the interest of institutional integrity, staff welfare, student rights, and public accountability.”
As of press time, the management of the Delta State College of Health Sciences and Technology had not publicly responded to the allegations.
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