The Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe in Bayelsa has suspended its Rector, Dr Agbabiaka Lukman, and appointed Dr Timine Suoware as Acting Rector.
According to a letter dated Oct. 9 and signed by the Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Baba Ajimi, the appointment took effect immediately.
Suoware, until his appointment, was the Deputy Rector (Academics) at the institution located in Ekowe, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
“I am directed by the 5th Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, Bayelsa State, to convey your appointment as Acting Rector with immediate effect. The appointment is necessitated by the vacuum created due to the suspension of the Rector (Dr Agbabiaka Lukman Adegoke) by the Governing Council, subject to the approval of the Hon. Minister of Education,” the letter partly read.
It added that as Acting Rector, Suoware is to perform the duties of Chief Executive of the Polytechnic, providing academic leadership and ensuring smooth institutional operations in accordance with the Polytechnic Act.
The development followed a mediatory meeting convened by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, between the management and workers’ unions over a prolonged labour dispute that had kept the institution closed since July 11.
The minister’s intervention led to the resolution of the crisis and the resumption of academic activities on Oct. 6.
At the Sept. 28 meeting, Alausa directed the Governing Council to establish a panel to investigate allegations of misconduct and breaches of the Polytechnic Act, with findings expected within three weeks.
The Council subsequently held an emergency session on Oct. 4, where it resolved to suspend Agbabiaka.
(NAN)