ASUP threatens protest over Bayelsa poly rector’s reappointment

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) at the Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri, is threatening widespread protests if the reappointment of Dr. Wisdom Sori as Rector is not reversed. The union plans to mobilize members from polytechnics and other tertiary institutions across the South-South and South-East zones for a demonstration in Yenagoa.

ASUP alleges that the institution's Governing Council violated the Bayelsa State Polytechnic Establishment Law 2014 during the reappointment process. This follows the union's indefinite withdrawal of services, which began on August 10, 2026, after a 14-day ultimatum demanding the reversal of Sori's appointment expired. The union's stance was communicated by ASUP Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Richard Illoma, after meetings with state Commissioners for Education, Labour, and Information.

According to ASUP, Dr. Sori, who previously served as Rector, reportedly retired in February 2024 at the age of 68. His first tenure concluded on June 19, 2026. While the union acknowledges the law allows for a renewable four-year tenure and that the recommendation was vetted by the state Attorney-General and approved by Governor Douye Diri, they contest the process. The council had cited achievements during Sori's first term, including relocating the polytechnic and securing TETFund projects, but ASUP maintains the focus is on adherence to the law.

The union claims the council failed to advertise the position, form a Search Team, or establish the required Joint Council and Academic Board Selection Board. ASUP argues the law mandates the selection process to present three candidates to the Visitor. Furthermore, ASUP questions the alleged backdating of Sori's reappointment letter to June 21, 2026, suggesting it was intended to undermine the Acting Rector's academic profile.

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Apart from the retired status of the former Rector, which automatically bars him from applying, we make bold to state that Council fell short of the step-by-step procedures outlined in the Polytechnic Establishment Law on how a Rector can be appointed. We make bold to say that the Council failed completely in all these steps, as it never applied any.