The recent manipulation towards the appointment of principal officers at the College of Health Technology, Calabar, has sparked outrage, with allegations of tribal favoritism and disregard for due process. This situation threatens to undermine the principles of fairness, meritocracy, and unity within the institution.
The controversy stems from the build up to appoint Mrs. Nkoyo Bassey Edet, a junior administrative officer, as the Registrar of the College, bypassing the only Deputy Registrar, who is reportedly more qualified and experienced. Critics argue that this decision was influenced by tribal considerations, with claims that a group within the government has pushed for key positions in the College—such as Provost, Deputy Provost, Registrar, and Bursar—to be exclusively occupied by Efik indigenes.
Background
Following the dissolution of the College’s former management on August 9, 2024, and the subsequent constitution of a new Governing Council on August 21, 2024, a mandate was issued to advertise and fill vacant management positions. These vacancies were advertised in two national newspapers, Nigerian Chronicle (December 3, 2024) and SUN (December 5, 2024), inviting qualified candidates to apply before the deadline of January 11, 2025.
Among the applicants for the advertised position of Registrar was the College’s only Deputy Registrar, who is widely regarded as the most qualified candidate for the role. However, instead of adhering to the advertised recruitment process, the government bypassed the established procedure. Mrs. Nkoyo Bassey Edet, who did not apply for the role and ranks third in the hierarchy of administrative officers, was appointed as Registrar.
Allegations of Tribal Sentiment
The decision to appoint Mrs. Edet has been described as a blatant act of tribalism, with reports indicating that the Deputy Registrar was overlooked solely because he is an Atam man and not from the Efik ethnic group. This has caused widespread discontent among staff members and observers, who see the move as a violation of the College’s regulations and the Polytechnic Act.
“This appointment undermines the principle of excellence that should define a tertiary institution of learning. It is a sad expression of injustice and humiliation, and it risks breeding bad blood among the various ethnic groups within the College,” one concerned staff member lamented.
Public Outcry and Calls for Reversal
In the strongest of terms, stakeholders and members of the public have condemned the arbitrary appointments. They argue that such actions set a dangerous precedent for tribal sentiment in institutions of learning, which should be centers of fairness and academic excellence.
A public appeal has been made to His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, urging him to:
- Reverse the appointments of the Registrar, Bursar, and other principal officers made without adherence to due process.
- Ensure that the advertised procedures for recruitment are followed in line with the College’s regulations and the Polytechnic Act.
- Conduct a fair and transparent selection process to restore confidence in his administration and promote unity within the institution.
Implications
The situation has drawn attention to the potential long-term consequences of such tribal favoritism, including strained ethnic relations, erosion of trust in leadership, and damage to the reputation of the College. Observers warn that allowing sentiments to dictate leadership appointments could hinder the institution’s growth and discourage excellence among staff and students alike.
As stakeholders await the Governor’s response, there is growing hope that he will intervene decisively to correct the perceived injustice and ensure that the principles of merit, equity, and unity are upheld in the governance of the College of Health Technology, Calabar.