Some lecturers of the Federal Polytechnic Offa, in Kwara State on Sunday raised the alarm that crisis was looming in the institution over the selection or appointment of the next Rector of the Polytechnic.

But the Polytechnic’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ladi Badmus said there was no threat of crisis in the institution over the choice of the next rector of the polytechnic.

The lecturers, under the aegis of Concerned staff of the Federal Polytechnic Offa , during a media briefing in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital  alleged that the process  for the selection of Rector at the Federal Polytechnic Offa  was faulty, bias and pre – determined to favour a particular candidate, who currently is the acting rector of the institution, Mrs. Ayo Olaosebikan.

The spokesperson of the group, Mr. Tajudeen Ayokunle  called on the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, and  the  Minister of State for Education, Prof Anthony Onwuka, to personally conduct an independent critical analysis of the whole process vis-à-vis the advertisement for the position of Rector of the Polytechnic, which he claimed, stated the qualifications and qualities for eligibility of candidates for the post.

According to him, Olaosebikan does not have the appropriate and requsitie qualification for the post.

He opined that  corruption is not limited to stealing money, official stealing, adding that the alleged compromise of the selection process on the appointment of the Rector is a clear case of official corruption.

He warned that while President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was busy with the ‘Change’ mantra, the anti – corruption crusade of the administration should not be dainted by administrators or people who are supposed to be agents of change.

 Ayokunle said, “Olaosebikan does not hold degree in any of the discipline offered in the Polytechnic as stipulated in the advert duely signed personally by the Registrar of the Polytechnic for the post of Rector. She had professional Master Degree in Communication Arts from University of Ibadan and not Academic Degree.

“How come then that a candidate with such degree was short listed, supported and penciled down for appointment as Rector of Federal Polytechnic  Offa.  Likewise Professional Master Degree such as MCA and others are not acceptable in academics.  Why this double standard by those who are to promote positive change under current political dispensation?
“In view of aforementioned facts it is clear that crisis is looming at the Federal Polytechnic Offa on the appointment of new Rector.”

 Badmus said the polytechnic had continued to witness peace and academic progress.

He stated that the process for the selection of the rector was not biased and faulty, adding that there was attempt to give undue privilege to Olaosebikan.

According to him, Olaosebikan is eminently qualified for the post.
He said,   “For the records, I wish to restate that the Acting Rector, Dr. Ayodele Olaosebikan bagged her first degree in English, Masters in Communication Arts and PhD in Communications.
“Since she became the Rector of the Polytechnic in acting capacity, the Polytechnic has continued to experience tranquility and maintained highly conducive academic atmosphere.”