Don criticizes govt over recruitment on nepotism, political gratification

Ini Billie, Uyo

Recruitment through nepotism and political gratification has been described as a dangerous trend for tertiary education in the country.

Vice Chancellor, National University of Science and Technology, Abuja, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku stated this in Uyo on Tuesday during the 4th Distinguished Registry Lecture of the University of Uyo.

Prof. Ahaneku argued that employing people in the academic environment as political rewards outside merit would erode the tertiary education standard and kill competence and skill.

Speaking as a Guest Lecturer on the topic, “Employability and the Dynamics of Service Delivery in a Challenged Economy: The Way Forward for Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria”, Ahaneku said the practice would produce half-baked graduates that would not add value to the nation.

“Employment has been used as a tool for gratification or political settlement and the issue of ethno-religious infractions and sentiments in the public service ecosystem remain a major setback in the country.

“The application of quota system in the recruitment process in tertiary institutions and universities, in particular, goes against the principles of application of skills, competence and capability in places of training such as tertiary institutions.

“Tertiary institutions should not be used for gift or political gratification. They should shun nepotism and use competence, skills and abilities and let merit and competence qualify individuals,” he stated.

While speaking, the Vice-Chancellor, the University of Uyo, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo mentioned that the state of health of tertiary institutions reflects the ultimate health of service delivery in the country.

Ndaeyo called for the elimination of corruption and nepotism in the recruitment process in tertiary institutions.

He commended the Federal Government for the implementation of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent increment for university staff and appealed that the remaining four months of the withheld salaries to the teaching and non-teaching members be released.

On her part, the Registrar, Uniuyo, Mrs Blossom Okorie, said the lecture would help boost the Registry staff’s professional development and efficiency.