By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

Chief Lecturer with Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Dr Joel Akowe has urged that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) should be compelled to declare available vacancies and make recruitments open to facilitate competitive job bidding.

Akowe made the call at the maiden Inaugural Lecture of the Polytechnic titled: “Manpower Resourcing And Productivity Management In The Public Sector: The Cacophony Of Paradox”, delivered in Lokoja.

The Don said that the call had become necessary in view of the country’s unemployment profile and the need to address violation of resourcing procedures in Nigerian public service.

He said that after over six decades of post-independent Africa, the crisis of underdevelopment has continued to push most Africa nations (Nigeria inclusive) further down.

Akowe holds that most of them have been pushed down below tolerable limits of poverty, unemployment and insecurity, more as a result of resource misappropriation than resource scarcity.

He suggested that selection of candidates into public service should be based on objective criteria and in accordance with performances at interviews rather than fostering nepotism.

Akowe suggested that where Federal Character is to be used, all candidates from such catchment area should be given equal opportunities for competitive selection.

The Chief Lecturer held that sanctions against any abuse of recruitment procedure should be certain, swift and severe to serve as a deterrent to potential offenders.

He also charged Mass media and anti-corruption agencies to investigate, report and prosecute allegations or established cases of corrupt practices in public service recruitment procedure so as to make such improprieties less attractive.

The Don urged that the Private sector should be empowered to expand its employment capacity (including job security) in order to reduce the current pressure on public sector for employment.

“Motivation of workers should be taken seriously in order to guarantee their commitment and sustained performance attitudes.

“Exceptional contribution in the work place should be recognized for accelerated advancement, to stir similar feats among other employees”, he said.

The Don also advocated the institution of regular staff auditing among the respective MDAs and necessary projections done.

“MDAs should be compelled through a special Due Process Protocol to declare their vacancies and make their recruitments open, no matter the number of the vacancies involved”, he said.

For effective service delivery, the Chief Lecturer advised that Civil Service Commission should be re-engineered by law, resources and inter-agency supports to enable it enforce adequately, the extant personnel recruitment and selection laws.

Akowe called for Training and development by public institutions for enhanced skills and attitudinal adjustments of the employees as he noted that workers’ salaries and fringe benefits be taken very seriously.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Dr Salisu Ogbo Usman, Rector of the Polytechnic called on academic scholars to contribute towards personal development as well as promote the core values of their institutions.

According to him, the inaugural lecture which is the first since the inception of the institution, marked the dawn of yet another significant era in the academic prowess of the Polytechnic.

Doctor Ogbo Usman said since his assumption of office in the institution, the polytechnic had scored many firsts in the areas of efficient infrastructural provision and administrative revolution

Other areas of achievements he said, include academic advancement, moral rebirth, and security architecture, all geared towards restoring the polytechnic to institutional preeminence. (Ends)

The National Mathematical Centre (NMC) has selected 22 students of the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) to participate in a 3-day Olympiad Camp.

The Olympiad competition covers subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Arts, Music, Literature, History, Culture, Information Communication Technology among others.

The Managing Director NTIC, Feyzullah Bilgin, in a statement on Tuesday said, “In a remarkable display of academic prowess, 22 students from Nigerian Tulip International Colleges in Nigeria have been handpicked by the prestigious National Mathematical Centre (NMC) to participate in a rigorous 3-day Olympiad Camp.

“The selection of these bright minds not only highlights their exceptional mathematical abilities but also underscores the dedication and commitment they have shown towards their education.”

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

FEDERAL University Lokoja has matriculated 4,925 students into its over 57 programmes from seven faculties, for the 2023/2024 academic session with a charge for them to uphold the values and standards of the university.

Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi gave the charge during the matriculation ceremony at the Adankolo Campus of the University on Thursday in Lokoja.

Prof. Akinwumi urged them to maintain obedience to school authority and maintain good conduct adding that violation of their oath would be met with appropriate sanctions.

The 4,925 figure excludes the those admitted into faculties of Law, Agriculture and Pharmacy which were recently Resource Verified.

The VC noted that the mission of the University is to ‘Provide quality education, foster critical thinking, and produce well-rounded graduates who are equipped with the skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to society.

“Our vision is to
be the best among the universities in Nigeria and one of the top 10 universities in Africa. We aspire to become a world-class University recognized for excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement.

“These guiding principles serve as our compass, driving us towards academic innovation, social responsibility, and transformative impact”, he said.

The Vice Chancellor charged the 4,925 “bright minds joining our university family to bring unique talents, experiences, and aspirations to bear on their scholarship. We are excited to witness the contributions you will make to our academic community and beyond.

“However, as we celebrate your entry into our academic community, it is crucial to recognize the responsibilities that accompany this privilege. You are not just students; you are ambassadors of our university.

“Hence, as you take your oath today, remember it binds you to obedience to authority and maintaining good conduct throughout your stay in Federal University Lokoja. Any violation of this oath will be met with appropriate sanctions.

“I must also emphasize the importance of upholding the values and standards of our university. Federal University Lokoja has zero tolerance for social vices such as cultism, examination misconducts, and indecent dressing.

“Therefore, I urge each and every one of you to prioritize your academic pursuits and resist the temptations of engaging in such destructive activities”, he said.

Prof. Akinwumi urged them to remember that their actions not only reflect upon themselves but also upon the reputation of the university as a whole and he admonished them to be security conscious at all times.

He also reminded the matriculating students that it was essential that they remained vigilant and aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activities or concerns to the appropriate authorities.

Akinwumi further advised them to always prioritize their personal safety above all and urged them to avail themselves of the opportunities for personal and intellectual growth that await as they embark on this new chapter of life.

“Your time at Federal University Lokoja has the potential to be transformative, shaping you into leaders and scholars of the highest caliber”, he enjoined them. (Ends)