The Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic, Oko has been queried by the Minister of Education, over the plethora of petitions that have trailed the interview process ahead of the appointment of a substantive Rector for the institution.
In a letter DHE/Poly.16/c.ii/iv/iiiB/186 dated 31st October, 2024 and signed by Dr. Ejeh, A.U (Director) on behalf of the Hon. Minister, the Council Chairman, Senator Bernabas Gemade was asked for his response to a number of petitions pointing at flaws, disregard for due process and eligibility clauses as concerned interviews and appointment of Rector for the Federal Polytechnic.
Some of the petitions referred in the query include one from Chukwudozie Ezeani dated October 22, 2024, titled ‘Violation of the Polytechnic Act and Disregard of Scheme of Service in the Process of the Appointment of a substantive Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State by Governing Council of the institution’, another from Akunne Arinze Amala- ‘Letter of Protest Against the Senator Bernabas Gemade led Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, on the Brazen Disregard of Laid Down Rules in Appointment of Principal Officers of the Polytechnic; Chief Ononuju M. Aghara – ‘Letter of Protest Against the Rectorship interview of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko; and Old Aguata Traditional Union Forum (OAU) – ‘Letter of Concern over Interview for Post of Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko.
Only recently, there was an open letter addressed to the President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and published in Vanguard newspapers by one alumni of the school, Chief Ikedife Uzochukwu Nchekwube over the perceived flaws and apparent scheme to favour a particular individual for the position of Rector of the institution while disregarding extant laws and due process.
Meanwhile, the situation seems like a ticking time-bomb that needs the intervention of higher authorities to be defused.
In a similar development at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, where the Governing Council breached due process and observance of extant laws in appointing the Vice-Chancellor and other principal officers, the Federal Ministry of Education has nullified such appointments and put the exercise on hold.
This action is contained in a letter from the ministry dated 1st November, 2024 and signed by Mrs R G Ilyasu for the Permanent Secretary.
