Reps to sanction five polytechnics in South-East for ignoring budget review invite
The House of Representatives Committee on Polytechnics and Other Higher Technical Education has threatened to sanction five federal polytechnics for failing to honour its invitation to present their budget performance reports.
Fuad Laguda, the committee chairman, issued the warning on Wednesday in Abuja after the committee’s planned meeting with the institutions failed to hold.
He said that despite inviting the management teams of five federal polytechnics, none attended the meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
“The institutions are Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Imo State; Federal Polytechnic, Ohodo, Enugu State; Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State; Federal Polytechnic, Akanu Ibiam, Ebonyi State; and Federal Polytechnic, Isuochi, Abia State.
“This is the first time we have witnessed such regrettable behaviour from any polytechnic in Nigeria,” Mr Laguda said.
He explained that the committee had previously engaged with other institutions nationwide, including physical visits to campuses and meetings at the National Assembly for those unable to host the committee.
“It is shocking that these schools from the South-East have outrightly refused to honour the invitation of the National Assembly,” he added.
Mr Laguda further criticised the behaviour of the sole representative from the Federal Polytechnic, Isuochi, who arrived alone and without any supporting documents.
“The meeting was scheduled for 12 o’clock, and after waiting for an hour and a half, the rector of the federal polytechnic in Abia State strolled in single-handedly, claiming to be attending a meeting with us, yet came completely unprepared,” the chairman said.
He emphasised that the committee would invoke relevant laws empowering the National Assembly to address the situation.
“We have engaged with other federal polytechnics across various regions, including the North-West, South-West, North-Central, and North-East, both at their campuses and the National Assembly when necessary.
“It is unacceptable for these institutions to disregard the same process,” he said.
Mr Laguda reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to ensuring accountability and adherence to due process, stating that appropriate actions would be taken against the defaulting polytechnics in due course.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Focus on criminals, stop targeting journalists, CPJ tells Nigerian security agencies
She also pointed out harsh bail requirements imposed on journalists, describing Mr Ugagbe’s bail conditions as “utterly punitive.”
Education
Tinubu upgrades Nasarawa poly to university
Mr Onanuga said the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, who represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District.
Lagos
Lagos govt signs agreement to automate vehicle registration
Mr Osiyemi said the initiative would simplify and speed up vehicle registration by eliminating cumbersome processes.
States
Three rescued, one body recovered as building collapses in Kano
The PRO attributed the collapse to the use of poor and substandard building materials.
NationWide
FG calls for stronger African collaboration to combat illicit wealth, transnational corruption
Mr Fagbemi added that the recovery and transparent management of proceeds of crime remained a key pillar of the country’s anti-corruption policy.
Heading 2
FG reiterates commitment to ensuring safe return of Nigerians from South Africa
“The last evacuation flight, which is expected to bring home approximately 300 of our nationals, is expected to arrive in Nigeria next week,” Mr Ebienfa said.
