Education
Minister, Buhari’s COS at war over appointment of Poly Rector
The development has prompted the polytechnic community, led by the Acting Rector, Dr Olarongbe Afolabi, calling for a speedy resolution of the logjam, saying that the academic community is eagerly waiting for the announcement of a substantive rector for the institution.
The appointment of a new rector has become a ding dong between Adamu and Gambari, who have different opinions on who should head the institution.
Multiple sources said that after the conclusion of appointment processes by the statutory bodies, three names were forwarded to Adamu for onward transmission to Buhari for appointment as rector.
The three names recommended for appointment as the new rector, based on their performance during an interview, according to a source, were Dr. Raji Sarafa Adebayo, Dr. Kadiri Kamoru O and Dr. Akinde Mukail Aremu.
According to documents sighted by our correspondent, 28 applicants were shortlisted and interviewed for the vacant position of the rector.
Dr. Raji came first scoring 80.8 per cent, Dr. Kadiri came second with 79.9 per cent, while Dr. Akinde was third with 75.4 per cent.
Following the recommendation to President Buhari by the Governing Council of Offa Poly, the minister recommended Dr. Kadiri, who came second, to the president for appointment as new rector in a letter dated 1st February, 2022.
The president, it was said, did not agree with the recommendation of Adamu, but rather instructed Gambari to convey his approval of Dr. Raji as the next rector of the institution.
Another letter sighted by Vanguard Learning dated 30th March, 2022, signed by Gambari, and addressed to the minister, stated:
“With reference to your letter DHE/POLYXV/C.I/VII/781 dated 1st February 2022, I write to convey to you Mr. President’s approval for the appointment of Dr. Sarafa Adebayo Raji on merit, as the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, for a single tenure of five (5) years with effect from 28th March, 2022.”
Six months into the directive of Mr. President, the Honourable Minister, in a manner that suggests spurning the presidency, has refused to act on the president’s order. Statutorily, Section 8 (3) (d) 8 (4) of the Polytechnic Act 2019 is clear on the appointment of a new rector.
According to the Act, “A Joint Council, Academic Board, Congregation and Selection Board… “Shall consider the candidates on the shortlist drawn up under subsection (2) (a) (ii) through an examination of their curriculum vitae and interaction with them and recommend in order of performance ranking, through the Council, to the President, three candidates for his consideration.
Subsection (4) concludes that, “The President shall appoint, as Rector, one of the candidates recommended to him under subsection (3)”
“The Minister of Education has not come clear on what has delayed his assent to a letter of appointment of a new rector for the polytechnic, even as a large number of staff are worried that merit might have been jettisoned for other considerations,” a very senior academic staff said. “Though there could be intrinsic considerations, especially if we consider the need to uphold federal character principles and the politics that crops in, in the appointment of public officers, but in this case, not a single member of the host community is a principal officer in the institution” Academic and non-academic unions of the institution had a fortnight ago, decried the delay by the Federal Government in announcing the appointment of a substantive rector for the 30-year-old polytechnic.
The Acting Rector, Dr Afolabi added that the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics and other two unions in the school had done the needful by appealing to the Federal Government to appoint a new rector.
Giving his nine-month stewardship in Offa, Dr Afolabi said that since his assumption of office, he has had at the back of his mind that his administration is an interim one.
Said he: “ASUP and other unions of this polytechnic have done the needful by urging the FG to appoint a substantive rector. We are eagerly waiting for the appropriate quarters to make the announcement. If the rector is appointed tomorrow, this polytechnic will be happy and I will be happy.
“I am happy that our unions in the institution are now appealing to the appropriate quarters to expedite action on the appointment of a substantive rector and we will accept that in our strides.
“The first day I assumed office I knew that my administration is an interim one. And I have it at the back of my mind that the Federal Government can appoint a substantive rector anytime.
“I have therefore striven to have some legacies behind at the end of my tenure as acting rector. Appointment of rector is not my responsibility. It is not even the responsibility of the Governing Council. Appointment of substantive rector is the prerogative of President Muhamadu Buhari.”
Education
Enugu: CIC Student Drowns While Trying To Retrieve Bucket From Water Reservoir
By Our Reporter
Tragedy has struck the family of Comrade Ambrose Nnamani of Isi-Ama Ejona in Mbu Amon, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, following the death of their 14-year-old son, Kosisochukwu Nnamani.
The deceased, who was a student of the College of Immaculate Conception (CIC) Enugu, was reportedly drowned while attempting to recover a bucket that fell into a water reservoir.
Sources disclosed that the unfortunate incident occurred on May 4, 2026, throwing the family and members of the community into mourning.
A burial poster released by the family described the death of the teenager as a “painful exit,” stating that his sudden demise has left relations, friends and schoolmates devastated.
According to the burial arrangements, a Christian wake is scheduled to hold at the College of Immaculate Conception (CIC) Enugu on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, while funeral Mass and interment will take place on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at his father’s compound in Ugwu-Faith, Isi-Ama Ejona, Isi-Uzo LGA of Enugu State.
The family prayed for the peaceful repose of the young boy, describing him as a “little angel gone too soon.”
Education
Soludo Laments Absence Of Public Policy In Academic Research
By Okey Maduforo Awka .
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state has lamented lack of research in public policy making contending that academic research with positive impact on governance is sterial.
He further challenged the academic community to step up it’s intellectual works towards solving contending issues that shape the wellbeing of the immediate society.
The Governor who delivered a lecture at the 6th Biennial Adada Lecture Series 2026 convened by Association of Nsukka Professors noted that gone are those days when intellectual works end up at the University book shelf without transforming the socioeconomic needs of any given society.
Soludo observed that the “fusion of thought and action” remains the only bridge to a national rebirth.
Soludo questioned why academic discussions have seemingly lost their authority in national life. Despite producing thousands of professors and journals, he noted a “severed link” between academic research and public policy.
“If you have 200 Professors as members, how is the Adada zone not a first world?” he asked, challenging the audience to move beyond the walls of the university. “We produce journal articles, but how many have become policies? Intellectualism without activism is sterile.”
The Governor further advocated for “Productive Intellectualism,” where critical thinking guides public purpose. Drawing from his first tenure as Governor over the last four years, Governor Soludo highlighted how he has attempted to bring intellectualism to governance through “sacrificial volunteerism” and how he succeeded in laying the foundation for the African Dubai-Taiwan-Silicon Valley.
He emphasized that nations do not develop by resources alone, but by ideas that precede institutions; citing historical giants like Isaac Newton, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Kwame Nkrumah, Ahmadu Bello, and a host of others, as examples of a shared pattern of logical thinking that yield ideas and then built.
“This is a challenge to the intellectuals and the wider academic community: to multi-task, as the modern intellectual must be both a thinker and a doer, Question the Status Quo which remains a fundamental element of true intellectualism”
“Standing akimbo is too expensive,” Soludo warned. “We don’t just live; we live to matter. It is time to get back to basics and drive the African renaissance through active participation.”
Speaking earlier, Professor Osita Ogbu, presiding as Chairman, observed that the true benchmark of academic excellence is not found in the complacency of achievement, but in an unyielding hunger for discovery and the courage to apply that knowledge to real-world challenges. He asserted that intellectuals are never satisfied, they keep working.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Simon Ortuanya, framed the gathering as a significant homecoming for Governor Soludo. He offered a glowing tribute to the Governor, commending his transformative contributions to the Nigerian state and his broader dedication to the service of humanity.
Education
Enugu East LGA Signs MoU with Medical University, Targets 100 Scholarships
Enugu East Local Government Area has formalised a strategic partnership with David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening human capital development in the council area.
The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting between officials of the council and the university’s management, is expected to open new opportunities in medical education, training, and healthcare capacity building.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Executive Chairman of Enugu East LGA, Engr. Pst. Beloved-Dan Obi Anike, described the partnership as a major step toward building a healthier and more prosperous society through deliberate investment in education.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the broader development agenda of the Enugu State Government under Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, particularly in the area of human capital development.
As part of the agreement, the council unveiled plans to sponsor 100 students from Enugu East to study medical-related courses at the university, a move aimed at addressing manpower gaps in the health sector while empowering local youths.
“This partnership is not just about education; it is about securing the future of our people. By investing in medical training, we are building a foundation for sustainable healthcare delivery in Enugu East,” Anike said.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Jesse Uneke, commended the council for its forward-thinking approach, describing the MoU as a mutually beneficial arrangement that would enhance both academic excellence and community impact.
He assured that the institution would provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the scholarship programme and other areas of collaboration captured in the agreement.
The MoU is also expected to cover research collaboration, capacity building, and possible medical outreach programmes within Enugu East communities.
Stakeholders say the partnership marks a significant milestone in the council’s drive to improve access to quality education and healthcare, while positioning Enugu East as a model for grassroots-driven development.
Implementation of the agreement is expected to commence in the coming weeks, with both parties set to outline detailed modalities for its execution.
Education
Enugu East Scholarship Beneficiaries Matriculate at Maduka University
Fifteen students from Enugu East Local Government Area who were awarded scholarships to study medicine and engineering at Maduka University have officially matriculated, marking a major milestone in their academic journey.
The scholarship initiative, driven by the Enugu East Local Government Council under the leadership of Engr. Pst. Beloved-Dan Obi Anike, is part of efforts to boost human capital development through strategic investment in education.
The council facilitated admission for the beneficiaries into high-demand professional courses, positioning them to become future leaders in medicine, engineering, and related fields.
The matriculation ceremony was attended by key government representatives, including Barr. Uche Mbaeke, Secretary of Enugu East LGA, and Pst. Polycarp Ugwu, Secretary of the Enugu East Human Capital Trust Fund, who represented the council at the event.
The ceremony signals the beginning of a new academic chapter for the students, who are expected to make meaningful contributions to their community and beyond.
The initiative has been widely commended as a bold step toward youth empowerment and sustainable development in Enugu East.
Education
Shock as Polytechnic Lecturer Collapses, Dies During Lecture
A lecturer at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Mr. Anslem Ojodomo, has died after collapsing in class while teaching.
The Rector of the polytechnic confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday in Lokoja by the Acting Coordinator, Directorate of Public Relations, Mr. John Onimisi, describing the development as a “deep personal shock.”
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across the institution, coming just a month after another lecturer, Dr. Barnabas Akuba, passed away shortly after completing his PhD programme.
Ojodomo’s death has sparked concern among staff and students, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding the sudden losses.
Student eyewitnesses, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity, said Ojodomo collapsed while addressing his class. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
The polytechnic community has been left in a state of uncertainty, having lost two lecturers in quick succession.
Meanwhile, the Rector, Prof. Salihu Avidime, extended heartfelt condolences to the institution and the family of the deceased, noting that Ojodomo was a lecturer in the Department of Public Administration.
Avidime recalled meeting Ojodomo just hours before his death, where they exchanged pleasantries.
He described the late lecturer as a dedicated and humble academic committed to excellence.
“The Polytechnic community is mourning the loss of a promising academic and dependable colleague who embodied scholarship, service, and character,” he said.
“Ojodomo’s contributions as Deputy Dean, Student Services, and lecturer were impactful and inspiring.”
Anselm Victory Ojodomo (October 5, 1992 – March 27, 2026) held a Master’s degree from Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, where he had recently defended his PhD proposal.
He joined Kogi State Polytechnic in 2021 and served on several committees.
The polytechnic community commiserated with his family and the people of Igalamela/Odolu, praying for his soul to rest in peace.
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