ASABA/Nigeria: The governing council of the Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi Uku had been accused of undue interference in the appointment of a new polytechnic Liberian in the on going recruitment exercise as advertised by the institution.
Investigation carried out by www.ndokwareporters.com, indicates that the process of recruitment is being interfered with by the decision of the Chairman of the Governing Board to impose on Dr. Alex Obuh, without the relevant cognate experience to be the chief librarian, contrary to the laid down guideline as advertised on the Vangaurd Newspaper of May 27th, 2019 by the institution and followed by the committee headed by Dr. J.U Akajakpor, a Chief Lecturer of the institution.
The school in its advertorial stated that applicants should possess the required academic qualification, and cognate experience of 15 years in an academic environment. However from the list shortlisted candidates, of the 8 applicants, the committee approved the consideration, Mr. Aniogbolu A. Chukwudi, Dr. D.O Akparobor, Mr. Akpokurerie Azino Oscar as qualified, and others, Ogochukwu T. Emiri (Ph.D), Dr. Alex Obuh, Rev. Marvelous N.B Nwajei, Ehiwuogwu E. Mercy, and Irivwieri J. W, not qualified for the position as regard to the laid down by the school authority for the committee member.
In the case on Dr. Alex Obuh, the committee discovered that, though to his credit, he had published in 15 journals, 5 chapters’ contribution in a textbook and presented 6 conferences papers, he was deficient in the number of years of work experience, as he had 11 years cognate experience, as against 15 years required. It was also discovered at the time of screening, he had no national service certificate.
Further investigation also revealed that on the day of the interview, Dr. Alex was present, as was discovered was engineered by the chairman of the board, as against the panel’s report, as he had been going about boasting that the chairman of the board had assured him of the job of Chief Librarian of the polytechnic.
Reaction from the body Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic of the institution, and non-academic we learnt is shocking, as the action is against the laid down guideline, which as the time of this report, only give the present Acting Chief Librarian Mr. Aniogbolu A. Chukwudi, Dr. D.O Akparobor, Mr. Akpokurerie Azino Oscar, however, Dr. D.O Akpokurerie, got appointment with the Ondo State University before the interview, as chief librarian. With this development, the position based on qualification left for Mr. Aniogbolu A. Chukwudi, who is now the Acting Chief Librarian with 18 years cognate experience, and Dr. D.O Akparabor, from the Delta State University, Abraka
Reacting to the allegation, the school Public Relation Officer, Mr. Billy Onotue said that the committee will not want to go out the laid down requirement, as it is a very sensitive position.
He also, with another senior officer of the school who don’t want to be named, said it’s the right of the Governing Council to engage such officer, but with laid down rule.
Effort to get chairman of Governing Council was not successful at time of going to press.
