Following the withdrawal of the accreditation of the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu has set up a committee to review the situation and restore the accreditation within 30 days.
The NBTE had withdrawn the accreditation of the institution over the non-payment of 30 months arrears of salaries owed workers of the polytechnic.
Rector of the Polytechnic, Prof. Kalu Okorie Osonwa had yesterday addressed students of the institution and urged them to remain calm as the matter would soon be settled.
In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Chris Ezem, the government described NBTE’s action as embarrassing and capable of destabilizing the current peace and harmony existing in the state, as the fate of the students of the Polytechnic has been jeopardized by the said action.
The government noted that academic activities have been going on smoothly at the Polytechnic without strikes as lecturers and workers of the institution have been committed to their duties.
Ikpeazu also announced the dissolution of the Polytechnic’s governing council led by Elder John Nwangborogwu and the management of the institution respectively.
“It must be placed on record that academic activities have been ongoing in the institution without interruptions; the teachers and staff of Abiapoly were not on strike and have remained committed to their duties.
“As part of the measure to reposition the institution, the government hereby announce the immediate dissolution and suspension of the council and management of the institution respectively,” the statement read.
The committee set up to restore the accreditation of the institution include a former Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ikechi Mgbeoji as chairman, while Dr. John Nwadioha , Hon. Jude Udeachara, Rev. Fr. Kelechi Anyanwu, Mrs Love Ezema and the President of the Student Government, SUG, of the Polytechnic, Mr. Stanley Nwankpa, would serve as members.
