By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku, Lafia
A coalition under the aegis of the Lafia Concerned/Progressive Group has made a passionate appeal to the Nasarawa State Government to consider appointing a qualified indigene of Lafia Local Government Area as the next substantive Rector of Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic (IMAP), Lafia.
At a press conference held in Lafia, the group decried what they described as 25 years of exclusion and marginalization in the appointment of the institution’s top leadership, despite being the host community since its establishment.
“This is a defining moment for justice, equity, and excellence to prevail,” the spokesperson declared.
“We are not just advocating for local representation but for a qualified, competent, and deserving indigene of Lafia to be appointed as Rector.”
The group stressed that Lafia is home to several highly qualified professionals — including academics with doctoral degrees, Chief Lecturers, and Associate Professors — who have served diligently in both polytechnic and university systems.
Chronicle of IMAP Leadership: A Record of Exceptions and Oversights
The group presented a comprehensive chronicle of past Rectors, underscoring how none were indigenes of Lafia, and how many were appointed under exceptional circumstances without opposition:
1. Dr. Kyauta Teyigina served as Rector while still a Senior Lecturer, not a Chief Lecturer, without protest from staff or unions.
2. Mr. Mikel Ibrahim Mama, with a background in Christian Religious Studies, acted as Rector for over four years without any petition.
3. Engr. Jatau Emmanuel acted for over two years, again with no recorded opposition.
4. Dr. Silas Gyar, then a Senior Lecturer, became Acting Rector and was later confirmed without undergoing an interview process.
5. Mr. Augustine Ali Gabu served in a covering capacity for over two years without an official appointment letter or any legal challenge.
6. Dr. Ruth Jeriko acted as Rector for more than seven months without complaints.
7. Dr. Justina Anjiode Kotso was appointed substantive Rector despite controversy surrounding the application of the NBTE template yet faced no petition.
In contrast, an indigene who acted as Rector for only one year, Dr. Nurudeen Muazu Maifata, became the subject of a petition by eight staff members questioning the legality of his appointment.
“This raises critical questions of double standards,” the group lamented. “Why the sudden sentiment when more controversial appointments in the past were met with silence?”
Interestingly, a counter-petition signed by over 50 staff members supported Dr. Maifata’s appointment, the IMAP Law 2020, and the decision of the Governing Council.
Tangible Achievements in Just One Year
The group highlighted that under the leadership of the acting Rector an indigene the Polytechnic recorded remarkable achievements that surpassed the cumulative accomplishments of his seven predecessors. These include:
Payment of Headship, Hazard, and Shift Allowances.
Implementation of two-year staff promotions without union disputes.
Conversion and occupation of the School of Science and Technology for use by the School of Communication Technology.
Construction of a security block to enhance campus safety.
Allocation of hostel accommodation for female students.
Installation of a 500KVA transformer.
Renovation of academic office blocks and classrooms.
Introduction of new Engineering and Technical programs.
Successful NBTE accreditation involving over 150 resource persons.
Call to the Governor
The group appealed to the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Alhaji Sule, to consider this long-standing demand of the host community.
They emphasized that appointing a Lafia indigene as Rector would not only correct an age-long imbalance but also promote inclusion, unity, and shared responsibility between the institution and its host community.
“We must remain focused on the progress and development of the Polytechnic,” the group concluded.
“This is not the time for sentiments that will derail the institution's growth, but for visionary leadership that prioritizes fairness and competence.”
