AkwaPoly Rector Denies Ethnic Bias in Succession Plan, Highlights Achievements Ahead of Exit

The outgoing Rector of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Dr. Moses Umobong, has firmly denied recent allegations claiming he is pushing to impose a successor from his ethnic group, the Ibibio. He described the rumours as unfounded and politically motivated.

A circulating statement, purportedly endorsed by a group identified as the Concerned Annang Citizen, accused Dr. Umobong of scheming with campus unions and the Ibibio Union to ensure his preferred candidate—a fellow Ibibio—is appointed as the next rector. The group warned that such a move could trigger ethnic division and jeopardize the peace and growth of the only state-owned polytechnic situated in Annang land.

But while addressing journalists at the polytechnic on Wednesday, Dr. Umobong dismissed the claims, saying that he has no power to determine who succeeds him.

“The appointment of rectors in state-owned polytechnics is solely the constitutional responsibility of the Governor. My duty ends at notifying him of my exit and seeking approval for the advertisement of the vacancy,” he explained.

Dr. Umobong stressed that any candidate interested in the position has equal opportunity, provided they meet the criteria set by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). He further added that he went through a transparent process himself, competing with seven other candidates before he was appointed.

“I wonder how someone, faceless and hidden, could push such an agenda based on ethnicity. We should be championing academic excellence, not stoking tribal sentiments in our institutions,” he said.

Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Umobong expressed pride in the transformation of AkwaPoly under his leadership. According to him, when he assumed office, the institution ranked 99th out of 110 polytechnics nationwide. Through collaborative efforts and reforms, AkwaPoly has now risen to become the second-best polytechnic in Nigeria, just behind Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro.

“All our courses and programmes received full accreditation. This is a collective achievement, and I’m deeply grateful to the State Government and our dedicated staff,” he said.

Dr. Umobong is expected to officially step down in November 2025. He thanked Governor Umo Eno and his predecessor for their unwavering support and prayed that the gains recorded during his administration would be preserved and built upon.

In a final note, he urged stakeholders to remain focused on the institution’s progress and not allow baseless speculations to derail the peace and academic integrity of AkwaPoly.