Ayede Poly Defends Appointments, Says Process Was Merit-Based

When new school leaders are appointed, students often wonder if it was truly based on merit and at Federal Polytechnic Ayede, the governing council says the answer is YES.

The institution, located in Ogbomoso, has defended its recent appointment of principal officers, insisting the process was transparent, fair, and strictly based on competence.

The council appointed Azeez Olasunkanmi Ojo as acting Rector, alongside Bukola Dairo, Oluseyi Afolabi, and Dare Adeleke.
According to the council, the selection followed the Polytechnic Act and guidelines from the Federal Character Commission, with over 104 qualified applicants competing for the roles.

Speaking on behalf of the council chairman, Yakubu Dati, the institution’s spokesperson, Sunday Adepoju, said candidates were screened through interviews and computer-based tests.

“The council thoroughly reviewed all applications… and identified the most competent candidates,” he said.

He added that the final selections also reflected federal character, with appointments spread across states, including Ogun and Oyo.

Beyond qualifications, the council said it considered candidates’ ability to attract private investment — a move aimed at helping the school reduce dependence on government funding.

Addressing concerns about candidates moving between different types of institutions, Adepoju said such transitions are common across Nigeria’s higher education system.

He cited examples from institutions like the University of Ibadan and others to show that experience, not institutional background — drives such appointments.

For students, this matters because
leadership decisions directly shape school policies, facilities, and overall academic experience.

The council has already forwarded nominees to the President for the appointment of a substantive rector, while the acting rector oversees operations to avoid a leadership gap.

While debates around appointments may continue, the institution insists the process remains credible, competitive, and merit-driven — a standard many students hope to see more of across Nigeria’s education system.