The leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has vowed to resist attempt by any individual to impose an unqualified and unpopular candidate as Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In the same vein, the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) also joined NANS in the crusade to save the institution from becoming a laughing stock in the Comity of Polytechnics in the country.
Comrade Damilola Kehinde, Chairman, NANS JCC Ogun State disclosed this at a media briefing held on Sunday in Abeokuta whereby he demanded that the state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun to find a lasting solution by appointing a substantive Rector for the institution.
NANS boss noted: “Mr. Governor, it is almost two years now that the prestigious MAPOLY has been without a substantive rector and over one year that the screening committee set up to conduct interview for prospective candidates vying for the rectorship position submitted its report to your excellency.
“We hereby demand that your excellency give MAPOLY a befitting rector as a matter of urgency. The delay in choosing a substantive rector, almost two years now has been hampering the development of the institution.
“It is important to note that, the notable feats, one of which is restoring academic activities back to MAPOLY after a long stalemate, among others achieved by your administration when you assumed office in 2019 are almost eroded by the non-appointment of a substantive rector for the institution.
“Also, the lack of a substantive rector in MAPOLY has slowed down the operation of the institution and this is setting the school backward. We urge you to consider the most experienced, qualified and capable candidate among the screened candidates as the substantive rector of MAPOLY.
“More importantly, we want to warn that due process is followed in the appointment of the rector. We are aware that some people are running around to influence the process for their selfish and political gains.”
Furthermore, he confirmed: “We want to state categorically that, the leadership of NANS and NAOSS will resist any attempt by anyone individual to impose an unqualified and unpopular candidate as the rector of the institution.
“We will not only fight against this, but also mobilise our students from all over the state in a protest and shutdown the state.
“We implore you to also carry along relevant stakeholders, such as ASUP, Student Union Government and non-teaching staff in the process of appointing the most befitting rector for MAPOLY.
“While we commend the efforts of your administration in improving the standard of education in the state, we urge your excellency address the rectorship issue in MAPOLY as quickly as possible.”
