Fed Poly Ayede Governing Council Midwives Seamless Transition
The Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, located in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, has strongly reaffirmed its dedication to upholding principles of transparency, fairness, and merit in the recent appointment of new principal officers. This move is part of a strategic effort to ensure a smooth and effective transition in the institution's leadership, fostering stability and progress.
New Appointments and Compliance
The Council has appointed Dr. Azeez Olasunkanmi Ojo as the Acting Rector, who previously served as the Deputy Rector (Academic). Additionally, Bukola Elizabeth Dairo has been named Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Oluseyi Abiola Afolabi as Bursar, and Dare Samuel Adeleke as Acting Polytechnic Librarian. These appointments were conducted in strict adherence to the Polytechnic Act and followed the guidelines set by the Federal Character Commission (FCC), ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.
Competitive Selection Process
The selection process attracted significant interest, with over 104 qualified applicants vying for the positions. Sunday Adepoju, the Acting Director of the Centre for Information, Communication and Public Relations, spoke on behalf of the Council Chairman, Yakubu Dati. He emphasized the diligence and responsibility demonstrated by the Governing Council throughout the process.
Adepoju explained, "The Council thoroughly reviewed all applications, conducted comprehensive interviews, and administered computer-based examinations to identify the most competent candidates for the positions." This rigorous approach was designed to ensure that only the best individuals were selected based on their skills and qualifications.
Federal Character and National Representation
In alignment with the federal character principle, the appointments reflect a balanced national representation. For instance, the Registrar hails from Ogun State, while the Bursar is from Oyo State. This consideration helps promote diversity and inclusivity within the institution's leadership, supporting broader national cohesion.
Focus on Self-Sustainability
The Council also prioritized the capacity of applicants to attract private investment, aiming to reduce reliance on government funding. This initiative is part of a renewed drive to make the Federal Polytechnic Ayede self-sustaining, enhancing its financial independence and long-term viability in the competitive educational landscape.
Addressing Concerns and Precedents
Adepoju addressed concerns regarding the emergence of candidates from the university system, noting that such developments are neither unusual nor a barrier in the Nigerian higher education system. He cited several precedents to reinforce this position, highlighting that cross-institutional appointments can bring diverse experiences and expertise to polytechnic settings.
Assurance of Transparency and Integrity
Reiterating the Council's commitment, Adepoju assured stakeholders that the process was transparent, credible, and merit-driven. He acknowledged that exercises of this magnitude might naturally generate diverse opinions but maintained that the integrity of the process remains unquestionable. The Council is confident that the best candidates have emerged from this highly competitive exercise, setting a strong foundation for the institution's future growth and development.
