Fed. Poly Wannune, Institution of First Choice – Rector

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, Benue State, Dr. Tyover Ashinya, has disclosed that the institution under his leadership has significantly reduced challenges in accessing quality education. He stated this while briefing journalists in Makurdi.

Dr. Ashinya recalled that when he was appointed Acting Rector in 2023, the institution had only two departments—Accountancy and Statistics. He explained that within his probationary period, six more programmes were introduced, bringing the total to eight. According to him, as a “product of polytechnic education,” he believed it was important not only for students to enjoy quality learning but also for the institution itself to undergo a total transformation.

To further improve access to technical education, the Rector noted that vigilance led him to discover that some Benue indigenes faced difficulties while schooling at the Nasarawa State Polytechnic. He described the situation as misleading and exploitative, citing the case of students who were admitted to study Library and Information Science at the Ordinary National Diploma (OND) level but were later allowed to pursue Mass Communication at the Higher National Diploma (HND) level—an arrangement that made them ineligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

He lamented that such irregularities added avoidable hardship to students, stressing that the Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, resolved to correct these anomalies by creating more opportunities. Following his confirmation as Rector, Ashinya said he approved additional departments, including Agricultural Technology, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Public Administration, and Business Administration, among others. He added that a total of 24 departments have now been introduced.

“With this development, the Federal Polytechnic, Wannune has become the institution of first choice for seekers of quality education,” the Rector declared. He further noted that the school offers incentives such as affordable tuition for students and research grants for academic staff. He encouraged parents and guardians to prioritize the polytechnic for their children and wards.

On social vices, Dr. Ashinya assured of zero tolerance for cult-related activities, warning would-be members to desist or face the consequences.

Speaking on a petition against him by the Deputy Rector, Dr. Doris Iorchir, Ashinya dismissed the allegations as baseless. He explained that in line with academic tradition, staff seeking promotion were required to present updated documents to management for approval. Out of 18 staff members involved in the exercise, only the Deputy Rector and one other person refused to submit the necessary documents.

According to him, while the other staff member allegedly resigned, the institution gave Dr. Doris sufficient time to comply but instead, she resorted to “blackmailing the management with a petition.” He added that all efforts to persuade her to meet the requirements failed, prompting the Governing Council to deliberate on the matter, after which she

was dismissed.