A Crisis of Meritocracy: Unmasking the Corruption at Federal Polytechnic, Ukana
Educational institutions are the pillars of national development, tasked with fostering talent and innovation that fuel progress. When these institutions stray from principles of merit, competence, and integrity, the consequences resonate across the entire nation. The appointment scandal at Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Akwa Ibom State, is an alarming example of how political interference and favoritism can undermine an institution’s core mission. The manipulation surrounding the selection of a new rector not only threatens the institution’s credibility but also reveals a toxic culture of favoritism, one that may jeopardize the future of technical education in Nigeria.
At the center of this scandal lies a glaring injustice: the blatant sidelining of Dr. Stephen Makoji Robert, the most qualified candidate for the rector position. Despite earning the highest score in the interview (79%) and boasting stellar academic credentials—including a PhD in Business and Management from the University of Salford, UK—Dr. Robert was overlooked in favor of a candidate with lesser qualifications. The appointed candidate, Mrs. Eduma Enubong Essien, possesses only a master’s degree, falling short of the legally mandated qualifications for the role of rector. Allegedly, Mrs. Essien’s political backing from Senate President Godswill Akpabio played a pivotal role in her selection, sidelining Dr. Robert, who lacks such connections but has the qualifications and capability that the position demands.
This manipulation of the appointment process undermines not only Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, but the entire Nigerian educational system. The deliberate alteration of the interview and screening scores, favoring Mrs. Essien despite her lower score of 67%, exemplifies a gross breach of due process and accountability. Sources indicate that the original interview results, showing Dr. Robert’s top ranking, were altered before reaching the minister. Despite these irregularities being formally reported, no action has been taken to rectify the situation. Such unchecked favoritism suggests that personal alliances and political connections now outweigh merit, setting a dangerous precedent that erodes trust in Nigeria’s higher education sector.
Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, has faced challenges since its establishment in 2014, with development lagging far behind expectations and a student population of fewer than 400. Many attribute these struggles to the repeated appointment of unqualified leaders, who lack the vision and expertise to drive the institution forward. The recent controversy underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul in the way leadership appointments are handled in Nigerian educational institutions.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a review of the rector’s appointment represents a step toward addressing these irregularities. However, to restore true integrity to Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, immediate action must be taken to annul the appointment of Mrs. Essien and ensure that the role is filled by a qualified, competent candidate like Dr. Robert. Upholding qualifications and competence in leadership appointments is not merely a legal formality; it is the bedrock of meritocracy. If these values are not protected, the credibility of Nigeria’s entire education sector is at risk.
The appointment of leaders in federal institutions must adhere to the legal framework, which clearly stipulates that a rector must hold a PhD in a relevant field. By considering underqualified candidates, the selection committee has compromised the institution’s mission, placing political expediency above the goal of educational excellence. This brazen disregard for merit contradicts the government’s vision for a revitalized educational system, posing a direct challenge to President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
For Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, to fulfill its potential, the Nigerian government must stand firmly against this violation of due process. It must reconstitute the institution’s Governing Council and implement a transparent, merit-based selection process that prioritizes qualifications and competence. Failure to address this issue will not only erode public confidence in the educational system but will also send a dangerous signal that unqualified candidates can assume leadership positions in critical institutions through political patronage.
This scandal is not an isolated incident; it is a wake-up call. The Nigerian government must recognize that its educational institutions are suffering from a crisis of credibility that only decisive, transparent action can remedy. As stakeholders look on, the actions taken at Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, will either signal a commitment to upholding merit or further entrench a culture of favoritism that threatens the quality of education nationwide.
If Nigeria’s educational institutions are to serve as beacons of excellence, competence must come before connections, and qualifications must outweigh affiliations. Anything less risks undermining the very foundation of our educational sector, diminishing its capacity to produce skilled graduates who can drive the nation forward. Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, deserves competent, qualified leadership—and the time for action is now.