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Secrets Reporters
The Joint Union of Non-Teaching Staff at Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, comprising the Non-Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP), has raised serious concerns over the ongoing recruitment process for the positions of Bursar and Registrar.
In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Governing Council and the Rector of DSPG, the union leaders, Comrade Owabor Emeke (SSANIP) and Andrew Ayewumi (NASU), highlighted several alleged irregularities in the appointment process, calling for immediate intervention and a complete halt to the ongoing interviews.
The controversy centers on the shortlisting process, which the unions claim was not conducted in accordance with the fundamental conditions specified in the Vanguard advertisement of May 17, 2023. One key issue was the lack of transparency and non-disclosure of the shortlisted candidates’ personal particulars, qualifications, and experiences.
The unions also pointed out that the selection committee responsible for shortlisting the candidates for the position of Bursar was not properly constituted, as required by the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku (DSPG) law of 2002. Additionally, the interview panel allegedly exceeded the number of members allowed by law, and the venue of the Bursar’s interview was moved to Asaba without proper authorization.
Moreover, the Joint Union raised concerns about the qualifications and experiences of some of the shortlisted candidates. They alleged that applicants from universities and colleges of education, which fall outside the category of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions regulated by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), were shortlisted contrary to the advertisement’s guidelines.
Furthermore, the union leaders questioned the eligibility of candidates allegedly promoted to the rank of Chief Accountant in violation of the minimum 5-year experience requirement for the Bursar position. They urged the governing council to conduct further inquiries into the matter.
“We call upon the governing council to discontinue and cancel the ongoing interview for the position of the Bursar due to the defects arising from the shortlisting process,” the letter from the Joint Union stated, expressing the union’s commitment to fairness, equity, and justice.
The unions also appealed for a proper investigation into the matter, seeking the intervention of relevant authorities to address the alleged irregularities in the appointment process.
In response to the unfolding scandal, questions have been raised about the influence of political connections in the appointment process, leading to doubts about the fairness and integrity of the entire recruitment exercise.
While the situation remains tense at Delta State Polytechnic, the unions, and concerned stakeholders have called for the urgent intervention of the Head of Service and relevant authorities to ensure a transparent and impartial resolution to the crisis. This intervention is crucial to restore industrial harmony and uphold the integrity of the educational institution.
Amid the controversy, Engineer Chukwu Emeka, the most senior officer in the Bursary department, and another unnamed officer are expected to be considered for the position of Bursar.
As the scandal unfolds, the reputation of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, hangs in the balance, and all eyes are now on the governing council to take swift and decisive action to rectify the alleged irregularities and restore confidence in the institution’s recruitment process.
