By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, in Benue State, Dr Tyover Ashinya, has cleared the air over the recent sack of the institution’s Deputy Rector, Dr. Doris Iorchir.
Addressing journalists today, at NUJ House in Makurdi, the state capital, the Rector explained that no management staff or member of council of the Polytechnic had anything personal against Dr Iorchir.
Dr. Ashinya disclosed that the former Deputy Rector presented no documents when she was asked to bring same even as all members of staff expected to bring their documents for confirmation, supplied theirs.
The Rector further explained that her actions and conduct amounted to gross insubordination which propelled the polytechnic council to sack her.
According to Dr. Ashinya, the petition she wrote and her bid to remain in office as Deputy Rector were invariably fruitless, adding that issues bordering on alleged fraud levelled against her were done before he (Dr Ashinya) came to the Polytechnic.
He insisted that the council sacked the Deputy Rector.
Dwelling on other matters, Ashinya disclosed that, of the polytechnics established by the then President Muhammadu Buhari administration, Federal Polytechnic Wannune has excelled in development, structurally and academically.
According to him, kicking off with only Accountancy and Statistics departments, the institution now has about 24 departments offering different courses of study.
He revealed that about 70 brilliant young lecturers of the Polytechnic have been offered scholarship to improve themselves for better services even as most of lecturers have been encouraged to go into research which he described as vital in academics.
The Rector who stated that he inherited 86 students but now has a current student population of 2000, expressed joy that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has approved eight of the polytechnic’s courses for Higher National Diploma (HND).
On paucity of hostel accommodation for students, he expressed concern over the issue, but assured that with ongoing plans, soon the polytechnic would provide accommodation for about 5000 students.
PHOTO CAPTION: Dr Ashinya (with mic) addressing newsmen during the press conference… today.
