By Our Reporter

The Governing Council of Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic (IMAP), Lafia, has strongly refuted recent allegations circulating on social media, accusing it of breaching due process in the ongoing selection of a substantive Rector for the institution.

In an official statement issued by the institution’s Director of Information, Public Relations and Protocol, Mukhtar Wakeel, the Council described the allegations as “unfounded, chauvinistic and divisive,” insisting that the process followed strict adherence to legal and regulatory frameworks.

The statement emphasized that the selection exercise was conducted in line with the Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic Establishment Law (2020) and in compliance with procedures outlined by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), where applicable. It added that adverts for the Rector and Registrar positions were duly placed, and a search team was constituted to scout for qualified candidates, particularly within Nasarawa State, in the absence of sufficient applications.

According to the Council, a large number of candidates applied for the position, following which a Joint Council was formed to shortlist and interview eligible applicants.

Responding to criticism from a group of eight alleged Chief Lecturers, the Council clarified that only six of them held such rank, while two were actively involved in the selection process and even received allowances. It also noted that 58 lecturers from the institution had countered the complaints raised by the group.

Wakeel further stated that the NBTE template often cited by critics is merely a guide and not a legal requirement, especially since Nasarawa State has not domesticated it into law. He cited examples of other federal and state polytechnics that conducted similar processes without relying on the NBTE template.

“The Council, under the leadership of Prof. Muhammad Sanusi Liman, has acted transparently and within the legal frameworks,” the statement read. “This distraction is a deliberate attempt to derail the ongoing reforms and progress within the institution.”

The Council affirmed its unwavering commitment to due process, transparency, and excellence, stressing that it would not be swayed by what it termed as “destructive theatrics” aimed at destabilizing the Polytechnic.

Prof. Liman, a former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia and a professor of plasma physics, was praised for steering the institution through significant reforms aimed at raising standards and institutional credibility.

The Governing Council reiterated its dedication to setting a new precedent in leadership selection that aligns with global best practices and benefits the Polytechnic community.