Community Report | January 22, 2026
"For a newly established federal institution, appointing a qualified indigene as Rector is not an act of exclusion but a strategy for stability, inclusion, and sustainable growth—especially when merit has been transparently established."
CALABAR – The ongoing process to appoint a substantive Rector for the newly established Federal Polytechnic, Ugep is more than an administrative exercise; it is a defining test of Nigeria's commitment to merit, equity, federal character, and institutional integrity. It is also a moment that calls for vigilance among all stakeholders in Cross River State.
There are now strong allegations that a process which was thoroughly and properly conducted in line with all extant guidelines and statutory requirements, producing a Cross Riverian who satisfied every provision and emerged as the recommended Rector, may be unlawfully circumvented. Reports indicate that despite the candidate's recommendation by the Governing Council and subsequent approval by Governor Bassey Edet Otu, an official at the Federal Ministry of Education is allegedly attempting to alter the outcome, raising grave concerns that such interference is driven by the mistaken and unacceptable notion that Cross Riverians are unfit to head federal institutions. If true, this would represent not only a breach of due process but also a troubling affront to equity and national unity
Meanwhile, across Nigeria, federal polytechnics are commonly led by qualified indigenes of their host states, a practice that has strengthened institutional stability and fostered community ownership. Institutions such as Auchi Polytechnic (Edo State), Federal Polytechnic Ilaro (Ogun State), Offa (Kwara State), Oko (Anambra State), Ekowe (Bayelsa State), Bida (Niger State), Nekede (Imo State), Kaduna Polytechnic (Kaduna State), and Yaba College of Technology (Lagos State)Federal Polytechnic idah in( kogi state) are all headed by rectors who are indigenes of, or firmly rooted in, their host states. These institutions have thrived, demonstrating that local representation and academic excellence are not mutually exclusive.
Ironically, Cross River State remains conspicuously absent at the national level of polytechnic leadership. At present, there is no Cross Riverian serving as a Rector of any federal polytechnic in Nigeria, not even in institutions domiciled within the state itself. This absence means that when critical decisions are taken at the Committee of Rectors of Polytechnics in Nigeria, Cross River State has no voice, no representation, and no institutional advocate at that strategic table.
For a new institution like Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, this reality makes the case for a qualified indigene Rector even more compelling. At its formative stage, the polytechnic requires leadership that understands the local environment, commands community trust, and can build strong partnerships essential for growth, security, and sustainability. An indigene Rector who has met all statutory requirements is uniquely positioned to provide such leadership.
It must be emphasized that advocating for an indigene Rector is not a call to lower standards. The Federal Polytechnic Act (as amended) and the guidelines of the Federal Ministry of Education clearly outline the qualifications for the office of Rector. Where a candidate emerges through a transparent, competitive, and merit-based process, and is duly recommended by the Governing Council, such a recommendation deserves respect and protection.
In this context, any attempt to alter or circumvent a concluded recommendation of the Governing Council, particularly by substituting a qualified indigene with a non-indigene, raises serious concerns. Such an action would not only undermine due process but would also amount to a direct affront to the efforts of the Cross River State Governor, who monitored and supported a free, fair, and credible selection process and gave approval based on merit. Allowing external interference to upturn that outcome would send a damaging signal about institutional autonomy and respect for state-level consensus.
This situation should serve as a wake-up call to all stakeholders in Cross River State, across party lines, the Governor, federal lawmakers, political leaders, business figures, senior party members, and all lovers of the state. Protecting the integrity of this process is not about partisan politics; it is about defending fairness, inclusion, and the collective dignity of the state within the Nigerian federation.
Beyond equity, the appointment of a qualified indigene Rector would also help address long-standing perceptions of marginalisation, particularly in the Obubra/Ugep axis. It would inspire confidence among young people, reinforce the principle that excellence is rewarded, and affirm that Cross River State will no longer be silent or invisible in key national education platforms.
In conclusion, appointing a qualified indigene as Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ugep aligns with national best practices, strengthens institutional stability, restores Cross River State's voice in national polytechnic governance, and upholds the principles of merit and justice. Anything short of this would not only weaken the institution at birth but also erode public confidence in the fairness of federal appointments.
This is not merely about who occupies an office; it is about laying the right foundation for an institution and affirming the rightful place of Cross River State in Nigeria's educational leadership.
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