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By Madu Obi
Authorities of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, have debunked allegations of manipulation in the selection process for the appointment of the next Rector of the institution.
Describing the allegations as false and mischievous, the Public Relations Officer of the polytechnic, Chijioke IbezIako said the selection process was transparent and fair, adding that all due processes were followed in line with the extant rules.
Ibeziako said there was no iota of truth that the selection process was manipulated to favour a candidate, Dr. Chioma Awuzie, insisting that all the candidates were ranked based on their performance.
According to him, over 18 candidates were shortlisted for the position of Rector and that the selection process was observed by officials of the Federal Character Commission and Federal Ministry of Education.
A statement by the PRO read: "To put the records straight, the selection processes were never shrouded in secrecy nor concocted to favour Dr.Chioma Awuzie as alleged nor any other candidate for that matter.
It was a transparent and fair process which was strictly done in line with extant rules. All the stipulated due processes were followed which culminated in the shortlisting of over 18 candidates for the Position of Rector.
The members of the Joint Governing Council Selection Board from the Polytechnic were duly elected by staff from the Academic Board and Congregation respectively. The search team also carried out its assignment judiciously in line with the Polytechnic act and report submitted to Council.
The selection board had a properly conducted interaction with the shortlisted candidates which was well observed by Federal Character Commission and Federal Ministry of Education.
Candidates were ranked according to their performance in strict compliance with the template provided for the exercise by the Federal Ministry of Education and National Board for Technical Education.
Consequently, names of top three candidates who emerged from the exercise were forwarded by the Governing Council to the President as demanded by the law. The report of the exercise is therefore before the President in whom resides the power to appoint a Rector for any Federal Polytechnic.
Since the matter is pending hearing at the court, the Management of Federal Polytechnic Oko would not wish to go into the substance of issues raised in the said report as it will be tantamount to prejudice.
However, we wish to clearly state that nobody nor group manipulated the selection process and there is no candidate who is not qualified that was cleared by the Governing Council.
The Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic Oko led by highly distinguished Senator.Barnabas Gemade is made up of reputable Nigerians of high integrity who have made the mark in their various fields and have meritoriously served the nation in various capacities.
It is therefore, unfair and unacceptable to impugn their integrity with this unwholesome accusation of the attempt to manipulate the selection process. Besides, Federal Polytechnic Oko Community has since the arrival of the 12th Governing Council enjoyed peace".
He said that the Polytechnic is still awaiting the announcement of a new Rector by President Bola Tinubu.
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