Polytechnic Staff accusations hypocritical, unfounded – Group

A heated debate has emerged within the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, as a group under the Nasarawa Development Foundation responded to concerns raised about the candidacy of Dr. Hauwa Mohammed for the position of substantive Rector.

The group has dismissed these concerns as both baseless and hypocritical, highlighting what they describe as double standards within the institution.

In a press briefing held on Tuesday in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Mr. Idris Musa Audi, speaking on behalf of the Nasarawa Development Foundation, criticized the recent opposition to Dr. Mohammed’s candidacy.

The group’s statement, titled “A Response to the Stakeholders’ Concerns,” challenges the legitimacy of the objections raised by certain staff members of the Polytechnic.

Audi specifically called out Dr. Abdullahi Baba Makama and Dr. Halidu Ahmed Umar, both members of the Polytechnic, who had voiced concerns through a publication in Education Monitor News.

The publication questioned the relevance of Dr. Mohammed’s academic discipline to the polytechnic sector, arguing that it was not aligned with the institution’s needs.

In a sharp rebuttal, Audi accused Dr. Makama and Dr. Umar of hypocrisy, pointing out alleged flaws in their own qualifications.

“Both Dr. Makama and Dr. Halidu were wrongly employed as Lecturer II without MSc nor PhD & and conference papers as required by law. Therefore, they have defective & erroneous entry qualifications,” Audi stated, implying that their criticisms lack credibility.

Audi further argued that the institution’s previous rectors had backgrounds in disciplines that were not initially represented within the polytechnic.

“When Dr. Abdul Bulama became Rector, there was no Science Laboratory Technology Department. Similarly, when Dr. Salami took over, there was no Banking and Finance Department,” Audi noted, suggesting that Dr. Mohammed’s qualifications in English should not disqualify her from consideration.

Highlighting the importance of English language skills in polytechnic education, Audi stated, “English language is a fundamental subject that is taught in all polytechnics, essential for effective communication and academic success.”

He added that previous Rectors with backgrounds in English had successfully led other polytechnics, further undermining the argument against Dr. Mohammed’s candidacy.

The Nasarawa Development Foundation also questioned the motives behind the opposition to Dr. Mohammed, suggesting that the concerns raised were not about her qualifications, but rather an attempt to manipulate the selection process. Audi emphasized, “The role of a Rector involves overseeing the entire institution, not just a specific department,” suggesting that Dr. Mohammed’s broader skills could benefit the polytechnic.

In a call to action, Audi urged the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, and the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje, to disregard the concerns raised by Dr. Makama and Dr. Umar. He encouraged them to support the Governing Council’s decision-making process without being swayed by what he described as baseless allegations.

“The stakeholders’ concerns about Dr. Muhammad’s candidacy are baseless and hypocritical, and their own transgressions and double standards undermine their credibility,” Audi insisted, reiterating the group’s stance on the matter.

The ongoing debate over Dr. Mohammed’s candidacy has highlighted the broader challenges in the selection of leadership within academic institutions, where issues of qualification, discipline relevance, and institutional politics often intersect. As the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa awaits a decision, the controversy surrounding the selection process is likely to continue, with implications for the institution’s future direction.

However, the group urged the selection of a Rector who can elevate the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa to new heights, ensuring that the institution remains competitive and well-managed under strong leadership.