By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA: Tensions are mounting over the appointment of a new Rector for the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, in Cross River State, as stakeholders have raised the alarm over alleged external political pressure aimed at subverting the selection process.

Critics have condemned recent protests, characterizing them as a calculated attempt to stoke ethnic sentiments and coerce the Federal Ministry of Education into disregarding merit-based results in favour of parochial considerations.

In a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, spokesperson for the Cross River Leaders of Thought, Francis Ewa stated that any deviation from the established results would be a blow to academic excellence.

“The integrity of the process must not be sacrificed on the altar of politics. The polytechnic’s Registrar, Bursar and Librarian were all appointed based on their top scores. To depart from that precedent now would contradict President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, which emphasizes competence and transparency”, the stakeholders said.

Addressing the core of the controversy, the stakeholders argued that while Federal Character principles are essential for national inclusion, they should not be weaponized to penalize performance.

They noted that in the current race, the leading candidate not only emerged as the clear winner through a transparent interview process but also fulfills every statutory requirement for the rectorate.

The group maintained that when a candidate excels competitively, the principles of equity should protect that achievement rather than undermine it.

The unrest has spilled onto the streets, with some groups staging demonstrations. However, student leaders unaffiliated with the protests have distanced themselves from the movement, urging their peers to focus on their studies.

They cautioned that students are being mobilized through misinformation for partisan ends.

“The future of this institution depends on its leadership being earned, not imposed,” a student representative was quoted as saying, echoing the sentiment that academic leadership must remain insulated from political patronage.