A civil society group under the aegis of Academic Integrity Group (AIG), has dismissed recent calls for disqualification of Dr. Chioma Awuzie from the Federal Polytechnic Oko Rectorship race as mere political fronts rented by other contestants to deny the institution its golden opportunity to have a credible candidate for the exalted position.
The group, in a statement released on Thursday, 24th October 2024 and signed by its Director, Joyce Nwakeze Esq, dismissed as ‘unfounded’, accusations by a group claiming to represent the Old Aguata Council of Traditional Rulers, regarding the qualifications of Dr. Chioma Awuzie to contest for the position of Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko.
According to the group, the traditional rulers of Ndiokpalaeze and Ezinifite Aguata, who were allegedly behind the move for disqualification of Dr. Awuzie are closely linked to two co-contestants for the rector position, namely Dr. Onyeka Uwakwe and Dr. Maurice Umeakuka, who hail from their respective communities.
“The accusations against Dr. Awuzie appear to be driven by personal interests and biases, particularly since the subjects of these traditional rulers are themselves contesting for the same position. This direct conflict of interest raises serious concerns about the impartiality of their campaign against Dr. Awuzie”, the group argues.
The group also raised concern over reports of how influential figures from the communities in question, including a top woman banking executive from Ezinifite Aguata, boasted about purchasing the approval for the rector position from the Vice President. “These attempts to manipulate the process through financial influence and political connections are disturbing and contradict the values of fairness and transparency that should govern the selection process for such a critical position” it said.
AIG further accused the campaigners of deploying falsehood and campaign of calumny to edge Dr. Awuzie who emerged as the top candidate in a transparent, fair, and merit-based selection process, so as to impose their candidates on the institution.
“The selection process, conducted by the Governing Council Selection Board witnessed by representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education and Federal Character Commission, was overseen by a competent panel, following all the stipulated guidelines, and her qualification was based on her impeccable academic record, administrative experience, and vision for the Polytechnic”, the group stated.
“The traditional rulers’ inability to accept the outcome of this process suggests a resistance to meritocracy and a desire to control the management of the institution for personal and communal gain. Their request to disqualify Dr. Awuzie is not only unfounded but represents a blatant attempt to undermine the integrity of the selection process and the progress of the institution”, the group argued.
The group further asserted that Dr. Awuzie’s qualifications for the position of Rector at Federal Polytechnic, Oko, are undeniable, given the fact that her academic credentials, leadership experience, and dedication to improving educational standards are widely recognized.
“She has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the growth and development of the Polytechnic, and her record speaks volumes about her capability to lead the institution toward greater achievements.
The group describes the moves by the transitional rulers to subvert the transparent process of appointing a substantive rector for the Federal polytechnic, Oko as an affront on the integrity and future of the school, urging stakeholders to shut down the move.
“The actions of these traditional rulers and their associates are not only an attack on Dr. Awuzie but also a threat to the progress of Federal Polytechnic, Oko. The use of financial and political power to influence the selection process undermines the institution’s credibility and erodes public trust. It is crucial that the management and administration of the Polytechnic remain free from external manipulation and operate in the best interest of the institution, its students, and the broader academic community.
“We strongly urge all stakeholders involved to respect the transparency and integrity of the selection process. The merit-based system must be upheld and any attempts to derail it through biased campaigns or financial influence should be condemned. The Federal Polytechnic, Oko, is an institution of higher learning that deserves leadership chosen based on qualifications and vision, not on external pressures or personal interests.
“We remain confident that Dr. Chioma Awuzie is the most qualified candidate for the position of Rector and trust that the appropriate authorities will continue to uphold the standards of fairness and integrity in the appointment process. The Polytechnic’s future depends on leadership that is chosen on merit, and we stand firmly against any attempts to compromise that.
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