After SecretsReporters’ Report, Delta State Polytechnic Otefe-Oghara Staff Begin Receiving Long-Owed Pension Alerts

Onoja Baba

Following an exclusive investigation by SecretsReporters exposing alleged massive pension fraud, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) diversion, and tax embezzlement at Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, staff members have started receiving pension alerts for several months of unpaid deductions, with some getting payments for up to 28 to 30 months in a single credit.

A whistleblower who spoke with SecretsReporters on condition of anonymity confirmed that the publication triggered immediate action, describing it as a major relief for over 600 permanent staff who had endured months or years without their pension contributions being remitted.

“Almost all staff have started receiving their pension alerts. Some have received between 28-30 months simultaneously,” the source said.

During the Academic Board meeting held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the Rector, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, was reportedly very bitter and swore with a juju name while addressing the issue. A Chief Lecturer, Dr. Osakwe, stood up and disclosed that he had received pension alerts for 28 months in one day. He demanded to know who was responsible for the prolonged delay.

SecretsReporters learnt that the Rector’s allies defended him, insisting that the fault was not from the institution but from the Bureau for Pension. Many staff, however, observed inconsistencies between the amounts deducted from their payslips and what was eventually credited to their pension accounts.

The Rector acknowledged during the meeting that he had received numerous calls, both locally and internationally, following the SecretsReporters publication. In confidence, two Union Chairmen expressed happiness, noting that they had held several meetings since early last year with government officials in Asaba and polytechnic management on the pension issue, but nothing concrete had come out of those efforts.

Even cleaners, security men, and other senior staff have been praying for the exposure, the source said, describing it as a breakthrough that is finally yielding fruits.
The Union Chairman of The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP), Mr. Samson Imanaged, has vowed that all diverted pension contributions must be paid in full, including the interest accrued, and that the Rector and his cohorts must be held accountable.

Throughout last week, the Rector and his principal officers were reportedly in Asaba, possibly responding to invitations from their employer or the ICPC. Sources say they are currently running from pillar to post.

One staff member also raised his own case during the Academic Board meeting, stating that he is the only staff not receiving pension credits and that for 11 years, his pension deductions had not been remitted to his Pension Administrator. The Rector promised to look into it and asked the staff to write an official letter.

In a show of confidence, the Rector technically boasted of his closeness to the corridors of power in Asaba and Abuja, claiming that nothing would happen to them. He also expressed distrust towards staff, saying everyone is now a suspect to him.
This development follows SecretsReporters’ earlier exclusive report titled “EXCLUSIVE: Pension Fraud, TETFUND Diversion, and Tax Embezzlement Rock Delta State Polytechnic Otefe-Oghara as Rector and Top Officials Accused Of Looting Over ₦1 Billion.”

In that report, top management officials, including the Rector, Registrar, Bursar, Internal Auditor, TETFUND Desk Officers, and the ASUP Chapter Chairman, were accused of diverting staff pension contributions, TETFUND funds, PAYE taxes, NHF, and NHIS deductions running into over one billion naira.

Reacting to the initial allegations, the Rector had dismissed them as the handwork of disgruntled staff and a witch-hunt by those who failed to get promotions or appointments. He invited the reporter for an independent investigation and pledged to provide all necessary documents to prove that no funds were diverted.

The latest development, however, shows that the exposure has forced some movement on the long-delayed pension remittances, bringing temporary relief to staff who had suffered for years.

The Rector and other principal officers are yet to respond to the latest development as at the time of filing this report.