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Success Nwogu, Ilorin
A group which identified itself as the Concerned Staff of the Federal Polytechnic Offa has said that crisis is looming at the school over the appointment of a new rector.
The workers called on the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Onwuka, to advertise the position of the polytechnic’s rector for eligible candidates to apply.
The group’s spokesperson, Mr. Tajudeen Ayokunle, alleged in a statement made available to journalists on Friday in Ilorin, that the process of the selection of the new rector was faulty, bias and pre–determined to favour a particular candidate, Mrs. Ayo Olaosebikan.
Ayokunle alleged that Olaosebikan did not have the requisite qualification for the post.
He said, “Olaosebikan does not hold a degree in any of the disciplines offered in the polytechnic as stipulated in the advertisement duly signed personally by the Registrar of the Polytechnic for the post of rector. She had professional Master of Arts in Communication from the University of Ibadan and not an academic degree.
“Then how come a candidate with such a degree was shortlisted and supported for appointment as Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Offa? Likewise, professional Master’s degrees such as MCA and others are not acceptable in academics. Why this double standard?
“In view of aforementioned facts, it is clear that crisis is looming at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa.”
But the Chairman of the school’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Dr. Sola Ojeniyi; and that of the Non-Academic Staff Union of the polytechnic, Mr. Ali Emmanuel, as well as the management of the institution represented by the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ladi Badmus, dismissed the allegation.
Badmus said the process for the selection of the rector was not bias; adding that undue privilege was not being given to Olaosebikan.
According to him, Olaosebikan is qualified for the post.
He said, “For the records, I wish to restate that the Acting Rector, Dr. Ayodele Olaosebikan, bagged her first degree in English, Master of Arts in Communication and PhD in Communications.
“Since she became the Rector of the Polytechnic in acting capacity, the polytechnic has continued to experience tranquility and maintained highly conducive academic atmosphere.”
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