Date: 2016-08-14

Schism, uncertainty and internecine strife permeates the atmosphere at the Federal Polytechnic located in Offa, Kwara State since the appointment of the acting Rector for the institution after the expiration of the second tenure of Dr Mufutau Olatinwo in April this year. At the last count, from 32 applicants, two leading contestants have since emerged; the Acting Rector, Dr. Ayodele Olaosebikan and Dr Lateef Ademola Olatunji.

Unconfirmed source revealed that the two contestants who have become sworn enemies borne out of the intrigues in the succession battle may be dropped for other neutral candidates. Just like the former guidelines, an applicant must have attained the position of a Chief Lecturer or its equivalent, paving the way for another leading contestant, Dr. Fowomola.

However, what has made the succession crisis more contentious is the usual tradition in the appointment of a Rector. Successive rectors of the institution had always been in acting capacity before being confirmed as the rector. This time, the present acting rector, who until his appointment was the Deputy rector (Academics) may not have an easy ride.

In a published statement, a group of concerned staff had claimed that one of the aspirants of the rector ship position does not hold a degree in any of the disciplines offered in the polytechnic as stipulated in the advertisement duly signed by the registrar of the polytechnic for the post of rector.

"The aspirant only had professional Master Degree in Communication Arts from the University of Ibadan and not academic degree and also obtained doctorate degree online at Atlanta International University, Hawaii, USA which the Federal Ministry of Education declared unacceptable in academics.

"How come then, that a candidate with such degree was short listed, supported and penciled down for appointment as a rector? Likewise professional master degrees such as MCA and others are not acceptable in academics. The group called on the minister for education, the federal government and the minister of state for education to please intervene in this matter.

Source: HeraldNews