The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure the appointment of a substantive rector for the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Anambra State is based on merit, amid claims of external interference.

At a press conference in Awka, NANS Southeast Coordinator Charles Ijeomah stated that 18 qualified candidates were shortlisted in a transparent selection process led by Senator Barnabas Gemade. NANS alleges that “faceless” individuals, falsely presenting themselves as alumni, are submitting petitions to influence the outcome.

NANS urged the public to disregard these petitions, calling them the work of mischief-makers with no genuine interest in the institution’s progress. They advised the federal government to apply the federal character principle in the appointment to ensure fairness, adding that a merit-based decision would uphold academic integrity at Oko Polytechnic.

Additionally, NANS called on Tinubu and South-East governors to address poor regional road conditions and improve transportation schemes for students, enhancing their safety and accessibility.