Reps threatens to sanction 5 federal polytechnics

The House of Representatives Committee on Polytechnics and Other Higher Technical Education has issued a stern warning to five federal polytechnics for failing to attend a scheduled meeting to present their budget performance reports.

Hon. Fuad Laguda, Chairman of the committee, expressed frustration on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Abuja, after the management teams of the invited Polytechnics were absent from the session.

The defaulting polytechnics include:

Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Imo State

Federal Polytechnic, Ohodo, Enugu State

Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State

Federal Polytechnic, Akanu Ibiam, Ebonyi State

Federal Polytechnic, Isuochi, Abia State

Laguda criticized the institutions for what he described as a first-of-its-kind disregard for the committee’s mandate. He noted that despite the committee’s history of engaging with other polytechnics across the country—through campus visits or meetings at the National Assembly—these institutions from the South-East failed to honor their invitation.

Adding to the dismay, the sole representative from Federal Polytechnic, Isuochi, arrived unprepared and without supporting documents. “The rector showed up alone, an hour and a half late, claiming to represent the institution but came empty-handed,” Laguda said.

The committee chairman emphasized that such behavior undermines accountability and due process, vowing to invoke legislative powers to address the issue.

“Engagements with federal polytechnics in other regions—including the North-West, South-West, North-Central, and North-East—have been successful. It is unacceptable for these South-East institutions to disregard the same process,” Laguda stated.

The committee pledged to take appropriate measures to ensure compliance and accountability, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining transparency in the administration of public funds.