By Wisdom Otobo
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Zone D, has condemned the reappointment of the retired former Rector of Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri, Dr. Wisdom Clinton Soreh, describing the process as unlawful and a violation of the institution’s establishment law.
The union made its position known at a press conference in Yenagoa on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, where the Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Iloma U. Richard, accused the Governing Council of the Polytechnic of failing to follow the prescribed procedures for the appointment of a Rector.
According to ASUP, the Council’s decision to recommend Soreh for another tenure was not only procedurally defective but had also plunged the institution into an avoidable crisis.
The union said that beyond the fact that Soreh had already retired from the institution, the Governing Council allegedly failed to comply with the statutory procedures required for the appointment of a new Rector.
ASUP listed the procedures which, according to it, the Council ought to have followed to include the wide advertisement of the vacant position to enable eligible serving academic staff to apply; constitution of a search team comprising two Chief Lecturers from the Academic Board and two other Chief Lecturers who are not members of the Academic Board; constitution of a joint Council and Academic Board Selection Board; and recommendation of three successful candidates to the Visitor for appointment.
The union alleged that none of these steps was followed before the Council recommended a candidate for appointment.
It therefore questioned how the Council arrived at its recommendation and whether the State Government was adequately informed about the alleged procedural lapses before approving the appointment.
ASUP further accused the Governing Council of issuing statements aimed at portraying the union negatively and allegedly instigating the State Government against its members.
The union maintained that its opposition was not politically motivated but based on its demand for compliance with the Polytechnic’s enabling law and due process.
Dr. Richard disclosed that the union had on Tuesday engaged with the Commissioners for Education, Labour and Information, during which, he said, the facts surrounding the controversy were presented to the state government.
He expressed confidence that Governor Douye Diri, whom he described as a leader known for respect for due process, would intervene appropriately after receiving the report of the meeting.
The union warned that the continued crisis could have serious implications for the institution, particularly if the dispute persisted.
According to ASUP, the national body may be compelled to deploy its “normative instruments,” which could affect the accreditation of academic programmes and access to intervention funds.
The union consequently said its ongoing strike at the Polytechnic would continue while further engagements with the state government lasted.
ASUP Zone D, which comprises polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of technology across the South-South and South-East regions, also threatened to mobilise members from its chapters for picketing and a peaceful protest in Yenagoa if the reappointment was not reversed.
The union urged the state government to intervene in the matter in the interest of the Polytechnic, its students, staff and the overall development of education in Bayelsa State.
The crisis follows the reappointment of Soreh, who had previously served as Rector of the institution and retired from service, a development that has triggered opposition from academic staff and renewed calls for adherence to due process in the management of the Polytechnic.
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