Tension in Ogwashi-Uku Poly as Governing Council Set to Impose Liberian on Institution

Activities of the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi Uku Library Department may be thrown into tension if the institution Governing Council goes ahead to interfere with the recruitment exercise of a Chief Librarian for the school.

According to inside sources, the process of recruitment is being interfered with by the decision of the Chairman of the Governing Board, Dr Festus Okubor to impose one Dr. Alex Obuh, without the relevant cognate experience to be the Chief Librarian contrary to the laid down guidelines as advertised in Vanguard Newspapers of May 27th, 2019 by the institution and by the committee headed by Dr. J.U Akajakpor, a Chief Lecturer of the institution.

The school in its advertorial stated that applicants should possess the required academic qualification, and cognate experience of 15 years in an academic environment. However, the list of shortlisted candidates of 8 applicants, the committee considered, Mr. Aniogbolu A. Chukwudi, Dr. D.O Akparobor, Mr. Akpokurerie Azino Oscar as qualified, while Ogochukwu T. Emiri (Ph.D), Dr. Alex Obuh, Rev. Marvelous N.B Nwajei, Ehiwuogwu E. Mercy, and Irivwieri J. W, not qualified for the position in respect to the guidelines laid down by the school authority for the committee.

In the case on Dr. Alex Obuh, the committee discovered that, though to his credit, he had published in 15 journals, 5 chapters contribution in a textbook and presented 6 conferences’ papers, he was deficient in the number of years of work experience, as he had 11 years cognate experience as against 15 years required. It was also discovered at the time of screening, he had no national service certificate.

Further investigation also revealed that on the day of the interview, Dr. Obuh who was present, was discovered going about boasting that the chairman of the board had assured him of the job of Chief Librarian of the Polytechnic.

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic of the institution, and their Non-Academic counterpart in a their reactions, expressed shock at the development, agreeing that the impending action is against the laid down guidelines.

As the time of this report, only the present Acting Chief Librarian, Mr. Aniogbolu A. Chukwudi, Dr. D.O Akparobor, Mr. Akpokurerie Azino Oscar are qualified for the position, however, Dr. D.O Akpokurerie had gotten an appointment as the Chief Librarian of Ondo State University before the interview date of the Ogwashi-Uku Poly.

With this development, Mr. Aniogbolu A. Chukwudi, who is now the Acting Chief Librarian with 18 years cognate experience, and Dr. D.O Akparabor, from the Delta State University, Abraka are the only candidates qualified for the position.

Reacting to the allegation against the Board Chairman, the school Public Relation Officer, Mr. Billy Onotue said that the committee will not want to go off the laid down requirement, as it is a very sensitive position.

Further insights shared by another senior officer of the school who doesn’t want to be named, said it is the right of the Governing Council to engage such officer, but must be within the laid down rule.

Effort to get the response of the Chairman of Governing Council was not successful at time of this publication.