The Federal Polytechnic in Ugep, Cross River State, has found itself at the center of a growing controversy.
Claims of financial irregularities and poor academic performance have thrown the institution into the spotlight, sparking intense scrutiny.
Unshaken by the allegations, the polytechnic’s Governing Council has issued a strong rebuttal, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to transforming the institution into a world-class academic hub.
The controversy began during a recent House of Representatives budget defense session, where lawmakers scrutinized the polytechnic’s spending. It was revealed that the institution spent over 600 million naira on personnel and overhead costs, including 38 million naira on local travels.
This raised eyebrows, considering the polytechnic has only 142 students and 154 staff. Lawmakers described the expenses as excessive and unsustainable, raising concerns about the institution’s future viability.
In a swift response, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, dismissed the allegations, describing them as not only exaggerated but also damaging to the institution’s reputation.
The Rector, Professor Edward Okey, also addressed the misinformation surrounding the institution, including false claims that it received a 20 billion naira take-off grant.instead of 2billion Naira.
The Governing Council also tackled claims that the polytechnic’s relationship with the host community had deteriorated.
Senator Ita-Giwa called on the Cross River State Government and the host community to align with the Federal Government’s vision for the polytechnic, emphasizing that their support was critical for the institution’s success.
