Chinedum Elekwachi
Governing Council and students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra state have passed vote of confidence on the Rector, Dr Chioma Awuzie and her management team.
Chairman of the Council, Sen. Barnabas Gemade disclosed this after a peaceful protest by students of the institution in solidarity with the Rector, Council and entire management.
Many people suspected that the protest is a response to a recent statement credited to a cleric on what he termed politicization of headship of educational institutions in the country.
Citing examples with Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Federal Polytechnic, Oko, the cleric accused the Polytechnic’s Governing Council and staff of docility and cowardice over the ugly incident.
He argued that the trend if not checked is capable of destroying the nation’s education system.
In apparent reference to the priest, Gemade expressed worry over what he termed terrific ignorance being expressed by certain individuals outside the Polytechnic community.
He appreciated the peaceful protest by the students urging them to help in educating the uninformed.
“Today, you’ve come out here to prove that this governing Council has done the right thing for the polytechnic.
“It’s becoming clear to me that the polytechnic community is extremely happy with the development in the institution.
“We’ve seen great change from when we came in and now. We’ve seen greater change from the day Dr Awuzie was appointed Rector.
Great change happening
Senator Gemade noted that many new things are happening while the institution is going through a period of revival. “Students are beginning to experience new lease of life.
“On the other hand, it’s appearing that some big people who are not part of this community, but seek to benefit from it are not quite happy with what is happening here.
He described as unfortunate that some big individuals are expressing “some terrific ignorance”.
“I charge you to go out there to educate your parents so they can educate those ignorant people who are making statement totally inappropriate and unbecoming of their positions.
“We in the Council will continue to do everything that will be for the promotion of good administration of the institution.
He charged the students to be good ambassadors of the institution to take away knowledge and character upon graduation.
“We thank you for being calm in the face of obvious unnecessary problems.”
Earlier, President, Students Union Government of the institution, Odimegwu Emmanuel who spoke on behalf of the students described the Rector as students’ friendly and non-discriminatory.
“We’re here to show solidarity to our student-friendly mama. She’s yet to clock 100days in office but she’s doing extremely well. She has restored peace and harmony in the school.
“Besides, her appointment was purely on merit. You can see from our placards her numerous achievements. I call her a magician and messiah of the Polytechnic.
“You can see joy radiating on our faces. We’ll continue to support her, encourage and pray God to give her wisdom to keep on doing well and to avoid distractions,” he added.
