By A Concerned Public Analyst
Introduction
On August 15, 2000, the Nasarawa State Government demonstrated visionary leadership by establishing what is now known as Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic, Lafia (IMAP). Then called Nasarawa State Polytechnic, the institution was created to foster technological and vocational education that would contribute meaningfully to the state’s socioeconomic development. In 2019, it was fittingly renamed in honor of the late Emir of Lafia, Alhaji (Dr.) Isa Mustapha Agwai I—a statesman and education champion whose legacy of service continues to inspire.
The Growing Institution
Since its inception, IMAP has evolved into a respected citadel of learning, offering National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), Pre-ND, and IJMB programs across diverse disciplines. Its mission remains constant: to produce creative, competent, and ethically sound graduates.
But today, that mission stands threatened—not by institutional decay or academic decline, but by a politically charged leadership tussle.
A Troubling Controversy
The recent controversy surrounding the appointment of a new Rector has exposed the fragility of due process in the face of sectional interest, bureaucratic distortion, and, regrettably, personal ambition.
The Governing Council, after conducting a credible and transparent selection process, shortlisted and interviewed candidates based on merit, performance, and vision. However, soon after, a wave of orchestrated petitions emerged—most notably from Dr. Patrick Kigbu, a candidate who did not rank among the top three, and a group of eight discontented staff members.
Their central claim? That the selection process deviated from NBTE-prescribed templates.
The Historical Reality
Yet this argument collapses under the weight of historical fact. IMAP has had eight previous Rectors—none of whom was appointed strictly based on national prescriptive documents.
From Mustapha Onuku in 2000 to Dr. Justina Kotso in 2023, the overarching principle guiding leadership selection was capacity, experience, and visionary alignment, not bureaucratic conformity.
One need not look far for examples. Dr. Silas Gyar, a respected former Rector, was simply recommended by the Council and approved by the then Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Tanko Al-Makura—without any controversy over templates.
Understanding the Law
Nigeria’s educational governance structure places education on the Concurrent Legislative List, giving states the discretion to adapt national guidelines to their local contexts.
National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) templates are advisory, not legally binding—especially for state-owned institutions.
To treat them otherwise is to ignore the legal autonomy states enjoy in managing their educational institutions.
The Real Motive?
This so-called "template argument" appears to be a smokescreen. What seems to be unfolding is a targeted and well-coordinated attempt, backed by clandestine handlers, to oust a particular candidate perceived as a threat—not on the basis of competence or procedural irregularity, but on primordial, sectional bias.
This is deeply troubling. At a time when Nigeria seeks unity in diversity and meritocracy in governance, such divisive maneuvers only deepen mistrust and erode public confidence.
False Narratives and Counter-Reality
Even more unsettling are the false narratives being peddled to create an impression of institutional revolt.
The claim that the IMAP chapter of ASUP or the Senior Staff Association opposed the process is false and mischievous.
The petition by the eight staff members was immediately countered by over forty (40) other lecturers who called for its total disregard.
ASUP (IMAP Chapter), far from discrediting the process, merely sought an audience with the Council to ensure transparency—not to obstruct it.
The assertion that the National ASUP advised against the selection is equally untrue; no formal directive has been issued to that effect.
The alleged involvement of senior staff was so deceptive that the DSS had to caution the association’s chairman for making inflammatory and unendorsed statements.
National Precedents
Across the country, university professors are frequently appointed as Rectors of federal and state polytechnics, with the NBTE offering no opposition. Consider:
Prof. Emmanuel Adebayo Fasakin – Federal Polytechnic Ile-Oluji (2015–2023)
Prof. Godwin Onu – Federal Polytechnic Oko (2010–2018)
Prof. Dahiru Mohammed Toungos – Adamawa State Polytechnic (2022–Present)
Prof. Kalu Osonwa – Abia State Polytechnic (2020–2023)
Prof. A.U. Nweze – IMT Enugu (2016–2024)
…and others.
These appointments were not hindered by rigid interpretations of guidelines. They were driven by institutional needs, capacity, and a desire to uplift standards.
What’s Truly at Stake?
It is not the sanctity of a template.
It is the future of a great institution.
It is the principle that excellence should not be sacrificed at the altar of ethnicity, politics, or ambition.
It is the imperative that state institutions must be allowed to chart their course, guided by local realities and the collective interest of their communities.
A Call to Conscience
The time has come for leaders—both political and academic—to resist manipulation.
Let the best candidate lead.
Let the process breathe.
Let merit speak louder than mischief.
IMAP deserves no less.
