Controversy over alleged non-adherence with due process has trailed the recent appointments of Registrar and Bursar of The Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State.
The management had, in letters dated 13th March 2026, appointed Mr Oluseyi Afolabi of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology as Bursar and Mrs Dairo Elizabeth of Redeemer’s University as Registrar.
However, some stakeholders of the university queried whether the new appointees met the advertised qualifications for the positions.
When The PUNCH contacted the acting Director of the Centre for Information, Communication and Public Relations of the institution, Sunday Adepoju, he said the Governing Council was meticulous in the process.
He said, “It is the Governing Council that is in charge, and I know that the Council did the needful regarding the appointments.
The Council knows what is good for the institution.
“The Council did the needful by looking at various applications. The Council conducted interviews and computer-based examinations and discovered the duo suitable for the jobs.”
Recall that the polytechnic management had, on December 15, 2025, placed an advertisement in national newspapers inviting applications for the positions of Bursar, Registrar, and other principal officers.
The advertisement showed that the application for Registrar position required 18 years post-qualification experience for First Degree or Higher National Diploma holders, 15 years for Master’s Degree holders, or 12 years for PhD holders.
Applicants were also expected to have served as Deputy Registrar for at least five years in a Polytechnic or TVET institution.
For the Bursar role, candidates needed similar post-qualification experience and at least ten years in a Polytechnic or TVET environment.
They were also required to have held a rank immediately below Bursar, such as Chief Accountant or Deputy Bursar, for no fewer than five years.
However, some of the varsity stakeholders who spoke with The PUNCH on condition of anonymity on Monday, held that the appointments appeared to have bypassed the requirements earlier advertised for the positions.
Among others, they agitated that both Afolabi and Dairo hail from universities rather than polytechnics.
One of them said, “The development had raised serious concerns over adherence to extant regulations and the institutional mandate governing the Polytechnic system.”
Another source said the development has cast a long shadow on the credibility and transparency of the entire selection exercise.
“This appears to be the imposition of influential figures in clear disregard of the laid-down procedures, processes and requirements as advertised.
“Appointing officers who lack sufficient experience within the Polytechnic system may ultimately compromise institutional efficiency and the effective implementation of policies.
”The documents, including the original advertisement, align with the Federal Polytechnics Act, Cap F17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004,” the source added.
Another source called for an urgent review by the relevant authorities.
“This is about safeguarding the Polytechnic system itself, not just filling positions. The appointments must reflect the unique structure and mandate of Polytechnics in Nigeria,” a staff member said.
