By Uzo Ugwunze
The management of Federal Polytechnic Oko has refuted allegations made against the newly appointed substantive Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, in an online video, describing them as false and baseless.
In a press release issued by
the Polytechnic’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Chijioke Ibeziako, the
management condemned the misleading claims circulating on social media. The
video falsely alleged that Dr. Awuzie previously held the position of
"South East Polytechnics Director of TETFund," an office that does
not exist, and further insinuated that she diverted funds from TETFund.
According to the statement, Dr.
Awuzie never held such a position and had no financial control or access to any
TETFund accounts. As a Director and Desk Officer for TETFund projects at
Federal Polytechnic Oko, her responsibility was strictly to oversee project
execution in line with set standards and timelines. There is no record from
TETFund, Federal Polytechnic Oko, or any other credible authority indicating
that any funds went missing under her supervision. All TETFund projects
executed at the institution up to 2024 were successfully completed and fully
accounted for.
The Polytechnic also dismissed
attempts to discredit Dr. Awuzie by questioning her ability to own a family
residence, describing such claims as defamatory and baseless. It emphasized
that, as a dedicated professional with nearly two decades of service, owning
personal property before her appointment as Rector is neither unusual nor
suspicious.
The management reiterated that
Dr. Awuzie’s emergence as Rector followed a transparent and competitive
selection process in full compliance with established guidelines. Her career as
a lecturer, rising to the rank of Chief Lecturer, has been unblemished, with no
record of misconduct or wrongdoing.
Describing the allegations as a
deliberate attempt at blackmail and misinformation, the Polytechnic urged the
public to disregard the false claims. It affirmed that since assuming office,
Dr. Awuzie’s leadership has been widely welcomed within the Polytechnic
community as a step towards institutional progress.
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