IKOT OSURUA, Nigeria (FN) — Communities hosting the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic in Ikot Osurua, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, have called on Governor Umo Eno to ensure fairness and ethnic balance in the appointment of the institution’s next rector.
The demand follows ongoing protests over the impending expiration of the tenure of the current rector, Dr. Moses Umobong, whose term ends in December 2025. Community leaders are urging the state government to appoint a qualified candidate from the Annang ethnic group, citing a tradition of alternating leadership between the Annang and Ibibio groups.
“For the first time, both the current rector and the deputy rector are from the Ibibio extraction,” said youth leader Ekikere Iko at a press conference Thursday. “This is a deviation from the long-standing practice of inclusiveness.”
Iko also criticized the recent removal of the deputy rector of Annang origin, calling it a violation of the institution’s establishment law and the National Board for Technical Education’s guidelines.
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) Akwa Ibom chapter expressed concern over the growing tension. “We urge the government to uphold equity and transparency in the appointment process,” said ASUP Chairman Dr. Iniobong Udoh. “The polytechnic must reflect the diversity of its host communities.”
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) echoed the call for fairness. “We want a rector who understands our challenges and represents our community,” said SUG President Emem Bassey. “The student body stands with the host communities in demanding justice.”
Several students voiced frustration over recent administrative decisions, including salary cuts for part-time staff and the appointment of a non-indigene as Community Liaison Officer. “We feel neglected,” said final-year student Idara Udo. “Leadership should reflect the people it serves.”
Governor Umo Eno’s spokesperson said the administration is committed to fairness and will consider all voices in the appointment process. “The governor remains focused on unity and development under the ARISE Agenda,” the statement read.
On September 3, over 1,000 residents barricaded the polytechnic’s main gate to protest the appointment of a non-indigene as liaison officer and demanded the removal of Rector Umobong. Protesters accused him of reducing part-time staff salaries from N50,000 to N30,000, a move they said violated civil service rules amid national calls for a new minimum wage.
