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Why Varsity, Poly Lecturers Should Be Treated Equally — Don

The dichotomy, with its attendant discrimination, between products of universities and polytechnics in Nigeria came to the fore again as polytechnic lecturers have called for equal treatment between them and their counterparts in the university.
The Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, who joined the conversation, emphasised the need for intellectual equality between university and polytechnic lecturers, advocating for reforms in academic rankings.
Professor Ufuophu-Biri argued that there is really no intellectual capacity difference between university and polytechnic lecturers.
“There is no difference between polytechnic and university lecturers. They were taught by the same lecturers, studied the same curriculum, and obtained similar qualifications,” he stated.
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Citing an example, he questioned the perceived superiority of university lecturers. “If two people attend the same university, one is employed at a university, and the other at a polytechnic, does that make the university lecturer superior? The answer is no,” he asserted.
He further advocated for a change in academic titles to reflect the equal intellectual output of polytechnic lecturers.
“At universities, the terminal rank is ‘professor,’ while at polytechnics, it is ‘chief lecturer.’
“That terminal rank should be ‘Associate Professor’ for polytechnics. In terms of intellectual contribution, there is no difference,” he argued.
Professor Ufuophu-Biri joined the conversation at the maiden academic colloquium he birthed to enhance the frontiers of the institution.
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According to Nigerian Tribune, the former dean of the Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU) explained the rationale behind the initiative.
“There are three types of wealth in life: wealth of ideas, wealth of courage, and wealth of practicality.
“Success starts with ideas, so we felt we should create a platform where people can discuss, expand on ideas, and reach reasonable conclusions that will move the system forward,” he said.
The first in the series of the Polytechnic’s Colloquium, which was held on Thursday, was with the Theme: “Keeping Our Pride High, Avoiding The Pitfall: Prospective For Our Polytechnic Lecturers,” and was held at the Chief James Onanlefe Ibori Auditorium in the institution.
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Describing the event as a great success, he commended the guest lecturer, Dr. Emmanuel Akpovata, Dean School of ICT, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi Uku, for an insightful presentation. “The guest lecturer was very good in his delivery—not just in style but in content.
“He addressed issues affecting not just the polytechnic system but also national, moral, and ethical concerns.
“The audience participation was impressive, showing their keen interest in the discussion,” he noted.
Encouraged by the positive response, the rector, who’s an ace broadcaster, announced that the programme would be held twice a year.
“Good things come out of ideas, and that is why people attend summits to discuss. When you gather the best minds, better things emerge,” he added.
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Highlighting the institution’s academic strength, he pointed out, “In this polytechnic, we have lecturers with double PhDs. The so-called dichotomy is optional and not functional.
“We can practically bridge the gap by changing the title of ‘Chief Lecturer’ to ‘Associate Professor.’”
On institutional challenges, especially in the area of lecturers’ misdemeanors, Professor Ufuophu-Biri assured that any issues affecting the polytechnic would be addressed.
“We know what is wrong and have measures to deal with it. If any concerns exist, we will investigate, and you will hear from us on how we will handle them,” he concluded.
Dignitaries who all contributed to the conversation included Commissioner, Ministry of Higher Education, Prof Nyerovwo Tonukari represented by Dr. Emoefe Okpimah, Chairman, Governing Council, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Hon. Andrew Orugbo, Ovie of Oghara Kingdom, Orefe III represented by Chief Frank Emiko, and Executive Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Conflict Resolutions, Chief Okakuro Ewhere Duncan Oghenochuko.
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Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja
Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.
A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.
“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.
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“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.
“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”
The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA
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JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations
The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.
Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.
Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.
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“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”
Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.
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The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.
The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.
Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.
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UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration
The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.
The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.
In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.
Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.
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“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.
He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.
“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.
According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.
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“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.
“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.
He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.
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“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.
Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.
“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.
“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.
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