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Stakeholders have criticized what they describe as external political pressure, allegedly involving high-profile figures, over the appointment of a new Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, Cross River State.
Critics accuse those behind the protests of stoking ethnic sentiments to force the Federal Ministry of Education to disregard merit over ethnic considerations.
While Senator Florence Ita-Giwa has not issued a new public rebuttal to these specific allegations, she has previously defended the Council’s integrity during other institutional controversies. She chairs the governing council of the institution.
”The integrity of the process must not be sacrificed on the altar of politics,” a senior official stated, noting that the polytechnic’s Registrar, Bursar, and Librarian were all appointed based on top scores.
Observers warn that departing from the merit-based results would contradict President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, which emphasizes competence and transparency in public institutions.
Analysts pointed out that Federal Character principles are intended to ensure inclusion, but not at the expense of performance when a clear winner has emerged through a transparent process.
In this instance, the leading candidate not only excelled competitively but also fulfills the statutory requirements for the role.
While some groups have taken to the streets, student leaders unaffiliated with the protest have urged their peers to return to classes.
They warned that misinformation is being used to mobilize students for partisan ends, stating that the future of the institution depends on its leadership being “earned, not imposed.”
The Federal Ministry of Education is expected to finalize the appointment soon. Stakeholders remain firm that upholding the interview results is the only way to affirm that excellence remains the governing principle for academic leadership in Nigeria.
