By Paul Olayemi

The Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, has hosted its third inaugural lecture, themed “Odyssey to Transparency and Accountability: Leveraging Value for Money Audit for Efficient Resource Management in Nigeria’s Public Sector.”

The event, held on March 13, 2025, at the Chief James Onanefe Ibori Auditorium, featured Dr. Joseph Ufouma Nana, FCA, Chief Lecturer in the Department of Accountancy, as the keynote speaker.

Declaring the event open, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, welcomed dignitaries, students, and staff. Among the notable guests were His Royal Majesty, King Obukohwo Monday Arthur Whiskey, JP, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, and the Ovie of Oghara, HRM Noble Oyibo Eshemitan, represented by Dr. Frank Emiko. The Chairman of the Polytechnic’s Governing Council, Dr. Andrew Orugbo, was also in attendance, alongside other distinguished personalities.

Dr. Nana, in his lecture, stressed that real transformation in Nigeria’s public sector must begin at the grassroots level. He argued that while leadership is vital, real change can only come when citizens embrace integrity and ethical behavior. He pointed out that corruption is not just a problem among those in power but is also perpetuated by individuals who normalize unethical practices.

“We are all stakeholders in Nigeria. If we acknowledge our role in nation-building, we can revive the state and create a better future,” Dr. Nana stated. He urged Nigerians to embrace transparency and accountability as fundamental pillars of governance and development.

The event also featured a cultural presentation by the Polytechnic Creative Forum, which entertained guests and students. A key highlight was the presentation of the Polytechnic Distinguished Honorary Medal to Dr. Nana in recognition of his contributions to academic excellence and public sector accountability.

In his remarks, Professor Ufuophu-Biri commended Dr. Nana for his thought-provoking insights. He took the opportunity to advocate for a change in the academic ranking system of polytechnics, proposing that Chief Lecturers be reclassified as Associate Professors to reflect their academic standing.

The Rector also renewed calls for Polytechnic students to be awarded Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees instead of Higher National Diplomas (HNDs). He argued that given the extensive industrial training embedded in Polytechnic education, students deserve recognition equivalent to university degrees.

“Our students spend two years in industrial training and another year in industry-related practicals, making their education more intensive. It is time we recognize this and grant them B.Tech degrees,” he stated, urging the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) to champion the cause at the national level.

Professor Ufuophu-Biri also praised Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his infrastructural strides, particularly in road development, which he likened to European standards. He credited the Polytechnic’s Governing Council for introducing 27 new academic programs within the past year.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Andrew Orugbo lauded the Rector’s leadership, describing his tenure as one of the most impactful in the institution’s history. Meanwhile, speaking to journalists after the event, Dr. Nana identified the lack of institutional frameworks, weak political will, and inadequate training as major barriers to efficient resource management in Nigeria’s public sector. He called for systemic reforms to promote accountability and transparency in governance.