Oduntan is Executive Director, Research & Advocacy Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors

RECTOR-SHIP OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC AUCHI

I write to call the attention of the federal government to the rector-ship of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi in Edo State. Following the death on Friday October 3, 2020, of Dr. Momodu Sanusi Jimah, the former rector of the polytechnic, there are ongoing efforts by the government of Nigeria to fill the vacant position, with several persons jostling for the seat even though they may not be qualified. To fulfil the requirements of equity, competence, social justice and geo-political balancing, the candidate for the position should be a PhD holder, an indigene of Edo State and an experienced administrator.

I appeal to the government to appoint an indigene of the state to the post and call on His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mallam Adamu Adamu, Minister of Education, Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff to the President, to ensure the right thing is done. This is especially because the last rector could not complete his tenure due to his untimely death. The tenure of Dr. Jimah began on March 5, 2018 and was to run until March 5, 2022, a period of four years, but he died just a little over two years into his tenure.

Auchi Polytechnic was established as a regional institution in 1963, and was taken over by the federal government in 1994. It is one of the first four polytechnics established in Nigeria. It is a citadel of high academic standards and excellence, and boasts a list of distinguished alumni. It has consistently placed first among the polytechnics in Nigeria and is the second in Africa. The polytechnic currently awards Bachelor’s degrees in affiliation with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. It should thus be headed not only by an experienced PhD holder and administrator but by a person who is acceptable to the host state, preferably an indigene. It is only when the people take ownership of the appointment that they will give the incoming helmsman all the cooperation required to succeed.

Amos Imasuen, Benin City