A group, Nasarawa Academic and Administrative Staff of Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa has faulted claims by some stakeholders faulting the process for shortlisting of the Acting Rector as the institution’s substantive Rector.
This is contained in a rejoinder signed by Mr Bilal Danjuma, representative of the group and made available to newsmen in Nasarawa local government area of the state on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the rejoinder is in response to an article published on Education Monitor, an online medium on August 26th, 2024 alleging transparency issues in the Rector appointment process and subsequently faulting the shortlisting of the Acting Rector for interview
According to Danjuma, the issues raised in the publication are baseless as the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa followed all prescribed guidelines and regulations in the ongoing process of appointing a new Rector.
“The shortlisting and selection procedures have been transparent, rigorous, and in full compliance with the Polytechnic Act and all statutory requirements.
“The council is committed to ensuring a fair and merit-based process, free from external influences or biases,” he said.
He added that Dr Hauwa Muhammad, acting rector of the institution met all the eligibility criteria for the position of substantive rector contrary to the claims made in the publication.
“The assertion that her discipline, English Language, disqualifies her is misleading.
“The Polytechnic environment benefits from diverse academic backgrounds, and the role of Rector requires proven leadership and administrative capabilities, which Dr. Hauwa Muhammad has demonstrated during her tenure as Acting Rector.
“Her qualifications and experience makes her a suitable candidate, and her shortlisting is in line with the institution’s act,” he added.
He then appreciated the concern of the stakeholders for transparency but pointed out that it is essential to recognize that the Governing Council of the institution including all involved parties are deeply committed to upholding the integrity of the process.
“The Council has engaged with various segments of the polytechnic community, including alumni, staff, and students, ensuring that their voices are heard and their interests are considered.
“As the host community of Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, we, the people of Nasarawa that are staff of the Polytechnic, Wholeheartedly support the selection of Dr. Hauwa T. Muhammad for interview as the substantive Rector of the institution,” he said
Danjuma acknowledged that some may have concerns about the acting rector’s academic background, but firmly believe that strong leadership and a clear vision transcend specific fields of study.
“History has shown that great leaders emerge from various disciplines. The immediate past Rector of Federal Polytechnic Idah was an English graduate.
“A former Rector of Yaba Tech was also an English graduate. Students in the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa cannot graduate without being taught English.
“We urge the Governing Council to remain committed to principles of transparency, fairness, and meritocracy,” he added.
He then appealed for constructive engagement from stakeholders and members of the public with the ongoing process with focus on facts and verifiable information.
