Calabar, August 29, 2024 — On August 28, 2024, the Cross River College of Health Technology, Calabar, witnessed a complete shutdown of its activities as staff members staged a protest by locking the college gates. The protest was sparked by what the staff described as an unlawful attempt by political appointees of the Governor to undermine their legitimate positions by appointing Dr. Ekeng, a Geography graduate and academic staff of the college, to the position of Registrar.
The controversy stems from the recent appointment of Dr. Ikpeme, a renowned public health professional, as the Acting Provost of the college. Dr. Ekeng had contested for the position but lost to Dr. Ikpeme. In what appears to be a move to compensate Dr. Ekeng for his loss and in recognition of his status as an Efik son, he was unexpectedly sworn in as Registrar at the office of the Commissioner of Health Headquarters in Calabar.
This appointment has drawn widespread criticism, particularly from the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP), which noted that the position of Registrar is traditionally reserved for non-teaching staff, in accordance with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) scheme of service and the Polytechnic Act of 2019. The association also pointed out that Dr. Ekeng lacks the requisite administrative career path for the role and that his appointment violates the principle of equity and fairness, as both he and the Acting Provost hail from the same senatorial constituency.
The rotation and equitable distribution of principal offices within the college have been a longstanding practice since the institution’s establishment in 2000, and its conversion to a full college in 2009 under then-Governor Donald Duke. The breach of this tradition has heightened tensions among the staff, who view the appointment as a politically motivated attempt to undermine established norms.
During the inauguration of Dr. Ekeng, SSANIP leadership openly criticized the move, labeling it as ill-advised and a gross error. Despite this, government representatives proceeded with the inauguration, prompting a walkout by the staff. The protest quickly escalated, with staff members mobilizing at the college to demand an immediate halt to the appointment and the intervention of relevant government agencies.
The NBTE had previously issued a circular to all polytechnics and colleges in Nigeria, cautioning against the practice of appointing teaching staff to positions designated for non-teaching personnel. If the situation is not reversed, the Cross River College of Health Technology risks facing sanctions, including the potential loss of accreditation by the NBTE, the regulatory body overseeing all polytechnics and colleges in the country.
The staff have vowed to continue their protest until their demands are met, stressing the need for adherence to established rules and the preservation of equity and justice within the college.