The management of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State has dismissed as false and mischievous, reports alleging attempts by the institution to manipulate the selection process for the appointment of a new Rector.
The Public Relations Officer, Chijioke IbezIako in a statement titled, Rejoiner by Federal Polytechnic Oko on Alleged attempts to manipulate the selection process of a new Rector’, said the selection processes were never shrouded in secrecy as Dr. Chioma Awuzie alleged nor any other candidate for that matter.
He said the process was transparent, fair and in strict compliance with extant rules.
The statement reads, “The attention of the Management of Federal Polytechnic Oko has been drawn to a news report in the social media domain by News Mirror in respect of a court case filed by one Mrs Blessing Anulika Okeke alleging attempts to manipulate the selection process for the appointment of a new Rector for Federal Polytechnic Oko.
“It is unfortunate that a social media outfit like News Mirror went to court and obtained the alleged information published on a case that has not been slated for hearing.
“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 statement said the selection board had a properly conducted interaction with the shortlisted candidates which the Federal Character Commission and Federal Ministry of Education well observed.
It further said 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.
It said consequently, the names of the 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 sub-judice.
“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.
“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.
“The general public is advised to discountenance the allegation as it is false and mischievously done to portray the Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic Oko in a bad light. The Polytechnic is still awaiting the announcement of a new Rector by the President,” it said.
