Poor Road Networks, Shortage Of Staff, Funding Our Major Problems – Rector Benue Poly

The rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo (BENPOLY), Dr Henry Ojobo, has identified funding gaps, poor road networks and acute staff shortage as major problems facing the institution.

Ojobo said his administration had recorded major reforms and restored public confidence in the polytechnic one year after assuming office.

Ojobo stated this when the chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, visited the institution, where he gave a detailed account of his team’s stewardship since taking office in April 2025.

The rector expressed gratitude to Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for appointing him alongside other principal officers: the Registrar, Bursar, and Librarian through what he described as a merit-based process.

“It was a departure from what used to happen before. His Excellency was determined to put the best people on the job.

We are committed to making him proud and not disappointing those who entrusted this task to us,” Ojobo said.

Ojobo noted that the polytechnic had suffered prolonged instability before his arrival. “Within a short period of two years, the school had two or three managements at the helm. When changes like that happen, it impedes development. That was exactly what happened to this institution,” he said.

He listed low staff morale, dwindling student enrollment, insecurity, and systemic corruption as key problems on ground. “Confidence of staff, students, and even the host community had to be built from scratch. People had lost hope. Student numbers had dropped to a very low level. Insecurity around the school was part of why that happened,” he explained.

To address insecurity, management partnered with the Ugbokolo community, which already had a security plan. “We keyed into their plan because without the community, the school wouldn’t be here. It’s a mutual relationship,” Ojobo said.

“The collaboration yielded results. Today, I can categorically tell you that the security situation is at its lowest ebb. Incidents have reduced drastically. That has encouraged students and visitors. This year, our intake has increased tremendously,” he added.

The rector said the polytechnic reorganised its security architecture by replacing aging personnel with younger guards and raising their monthly allowance. “Every crime starts from within. There were collaborations between those inside and those outside. The community also helped us checkmate cult activities. They made a pronouncement that any child of this town involved in cultism or theft will not be tolerated,” he said.

On the anti-corruption and digitisation drive, Ojobo said his team met widespread racketeering, certificate fraud, and diversion of school fees. “People were collecting certificates without attending lectures. Some would appear only on exam day and still pass. Others owed fees for years and only paid when they needed results. Revenues ended up in private pockets,” he said.

“To curb the practices, management digitised key operations. We reduced human interface because that is where corruption thrives. Results are now collected online, not through personal contact. Admission is fully online. Whether you are in London, Lagos, or the village, you apply with your phone,” he explained.

Speaking on infrastructure and health services, the rector said most visible projects were funded by TETFund. “The government tries, but I must also commend TETFund. They have done so much for our human capital and physical presence,” he said.

One major achievement, he noted, was the upgrade of the school clinic to BENPOLY–BSUTH Hospital through a partnership with Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH. “We had the building but lacked personnel. BSUTH, under Prof. Stephen Hwande, agreed to an extension here since the community lacks basic health infrastructure,” he said.

He explained that the hospital became operational in November 2024 after an outreach programme. “It’s fully functioning. During the recent JAMB CBT exams here, about three candidates collapsed and were revived because of prompt attention,” Ojobo said.

The rector also explained that the polytechnic established a 250-computer JAMB CBT centre to revive its image and generate revenue. “We believe when candidates come here, they’ll see the campus and may be attracted to apply. The centre hosted UTME sessions over three days in 2026,” he said.

Ojobo disclosed plans for accreditation of most courses, a convocation ceremony, and activities to mark the polytechnic’s 50th anniversary this year. “But there are a lot of things to put in place, and it has to do with funds,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber commended the rector for his resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to repositioning the institution.

Ugber said the visit aligns with the union’s constitutional role as a watchdog of society. “As journalists, we are not only chroniclers of events but also partners in progress. Our mission is to objectively assess the achievements under your leadership and understand the challenges, to inform the public accurately and constructively,” he stated.