AkwaPoly Host Communities Seek Equity In New Rector Selection

Host communities of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic (AkwaPoly), Ikot Osurua, in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, have appealed to the governor and visitor to the institution to ensure equity and fairness in the appointment of a new rector.

The tenure of the outgoing rector, Dr Moses Umobong, expires next month, and the protesting youths have decried what they described as lopsided appointments of rectors in recent years from the majority Ibibio ethnic nationality.

The aggrieved youths urged the governor to ensure fairness and equity in the forthcoming appointment of a new rector for the Polytechnic.

Addressing journalists during a press conference at Ikot Osurua, one of the host communities, the protesters expressed concern over what they described as “an emerging imbalance” in leadership positions at the Polytechnic.

They recalled that “since the establishment of the institution in 1991, rectorship appointments have historically reflected ethnic balance rather than senatorial zoning, with past rectors alternating between the Ibibio and Annang ethnic groups without controversy.”

The spokesperson for the youths of Ikot Osurua, Comrade Ekikere Iko, noted that for the first time, both the current rector and the deputy rector hail from the same Ibibio extraction, pointing out that the deviation from the long-standing practice of inclusiveness could exacerbate the prevailing tension in the Polytechnic’s host communities.

Besides, they expressed dismay over the removal of a deputy rector from the Annang ethnic nationality barely one month before the expiration of Dr Umobong’s tenure, noting that the move contravenes the Polytechnic’s establishment law and NBTE guidelines.

They further argued that the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District has not had a fair share of leadership across state-owned tertiary institutions, citing the current leadership of Akwa Ibom State University and the State College of Education, both headed by individuals from Uyo Senatorial District.

While reaffirming their support for Governor Eno’s administration and his ARISE Agenda, the Polytechnic host communities demanded that the governor appoint the most qualified Annang indigene as the next rector in the interest of fairness, justice and equity for peace, unity and harmonious relationship.