By Mokwugwo Solomon
At the wake of Dr. (Mrs) Chioma Irene Awuzie, a refined academician and teacher, becoming the 6th Substantive Rector of Oko, Anambra State, a sensational article with the caption: "Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Rectorship: Matters Arising," has cropped up, authored by one Mike Ubani, in a counterfeit tabloid "Summit News" where the writer laid false claim that the emergence of the new Rector did not follow due process.
Infact, what was claimed on the write-up is glaring example of biased and unverified journalism, falling short of the basic tenets of investigative reporting.
Journalism, particularly of the investigative kind, requires a reporter to confirm claims from all parties before publishing allegations that could damage reputations.
This fundamental requirement was blatantly ignored in the referenced publication, which presented a one-sided narrative, designed to discredit the merit-based and transparent selection process that led to the appointment of Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie as Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko.
Contrary to the insinuations in the publication, the process leading to Dr. Awuzie’s appointment was transparent, competitive, and based on merit. The Polytechnic’s Governing Council, alongside the Federal Ministry of Education, adhered strictly to laid-down procedures in selecting the best candidate for the position. The appointment was neither a product of favouritism nor manipulation, as the article suggests. Again, the new Rector, Dr. Awuzie, met every necessary criteria for the position of rectorship of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, according to the Federal Polytechnics Act, 2019, and paragraph 4 of the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) template for academic qualification.
It will be recalled that the Governing Council of the polytechnic led by Senator Dr. Barnabas Gemade OFR, after a transparent and competitive selection process, recommended three names to President Bola Tinubu, with Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie as the frontline candidate. It was from that list the Mr. President chose Awuzie as his preferred candidate for the exalted position of rectorship.
Contrary to insinuations from mischief makers, the issue of Dr Awuzie's qualifications for that position is not in question, as she started her teaching career in the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, and rose through the ranks to become a Chief Lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry option) of the polytechnic. She holds a doctorate degree in Physical and Materials Chemistry.
She served the polytechnic in different administrative positions which include: Head, Department of Renewable Energy Research and Development; Director, International Higher Education Academic Organizations; Coordinator, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET); Director, Petroleum, Coal and Renewable Energy Research Unit; Director/Desk Officer in charge of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Projects, among others.
Dr. Awuzie assisted in the establishment of many infrastructural projects across the three campuses of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, thereby, ensuring a robust and quality academic exercise.
She was among the group of experts appointed by National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) which drafted the National and Higher National Diploma Curricular for Renewable Energy Technology currently in use in Nigerian polytechnics.
Her career is marked by her unwavering dedication to academic excellence and advocacy for professional advancement.
Dr. Awuzie is an internationally recognized scholar, who has consistently proven her expertise through numerous scholarly publications and research presentations that illustrate her practical knowledge.
It is, therefore, evident that certain individuals, whose names are also mentioned on the said newspaper article, and who are unhappy with the outcome of the selection process, are attempting to discredit the process through misinformation and baseless accusations.
The polytechnic, as an academic institution, should not be a battleground for unfounded grievances and personal vendettas. Instead of promoting discord, unsuccessful candidates should demonstrate sportsmanship and align with the institution’s leadership for collective progress.
The article by Summit News fails to uphold journalistic objectivity, accuracy and fairness. It disproportionately amplifies the grievances of those who failed to secure the position while making no effort to present the perspective of the institution, the selection committee, or Dr. Awuzie herself.
Responsible journalism demands that before publishing damaging claims, all sides of a story must be investigated and presented fairly. The failure to do so in this case renders the publication sensationalist, misleading and professionally irresponsible.
Dr. Awuzie, in her inaugural address, extended a hand of fellowship to all stakeholders, including those who contested against her, urging them to join her in rebuilding and advancing Federal Polytechnic, Oko. Rather than resorting to misinformation and media warfare, all concerned parties should heed this call for unity and progress. Leadership is about moving forward; but dwelling on sour-grapes narratives only serves to stagnate institutional development.
The Federal Polytechnic, Oko, deserves stability, progress and a leadership focused on academic excellence. Reckless publications like this one under reference undermine institutional integrity, create unnecessary tensions and discredit the hard work of the selection committee.
Dr. Awuzie’s appointment was legitimate; her leadership is now in place, and all stakeholders must focus on moving the institution forward rather than fueling baseless controversies. It is time to embrace constructive engagement rather than peddling unfounded allegations.
Mokwugwo Solomon, a journalist and concerned citizen, writes from Nando, Anambra State