Students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, in Cross River State, held a peaceful demonstration at the Governor’s Office in Calabar on Thursday.
They strongly opposed reports of plans to appoint a non-indigene as the institution’s substantive Rector. Carrying placards with slogans like “Respect Catchment Area Policy,” “No to Non-Indigene Rector,” and “Our Indigene Deserves the Rector Position,” the protesters urged the Federal and State governments to step in.
They argued that the ongoing selection process ignores long-standing rules favoring local content and merit. Student leader Stephen Etem, speaking for the group, explained that the institution’s Governing Council – chaired by former Senator Florence Ita Giwa – completed a thorough screening last year. A Cross River indigene topped the results.
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“Our worry is that this top candidate from Cross River State might get replaced,” Etem declared. “This violates local content principles and the catchment area policy.”
The students claimed the recommended name, already sent to the Federal Ministry of Education, faces substitution with a non-indigene’s. They cautioned that such a move could disrupt peace at the polytechnic.
Goddie Archibong Akpama, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Intelligence, met with the protesters. He called for calm, noting Governor Bassey Otu was on a national assignment. Akpama promised their concerns would reach the executive.
“Make your petition clear on catchment area and local content,” he advised. “Steer clear of inflammatory words. Your message will get through.” He also pushed for talks with the Education Commissioner and federal bodies to keep classes on track during the review.
