The Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic (IMAP) in Lafia, Nasarawa State, is currently facing a leadership crisis following disputes over the appointment of a new rector. The controversy centers on the suspension of former Rector Dr. Justina Kotso and the subsequent appointment of Dr. Nurudeen Muazu-Maifata as Acting Rector.
In February 2024, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State suspended the Polytechnic’s Governing Council and directed Dr. Kotso to proceed on compulsory leave. This decision followed the findings of a visitation panel that recommended her removal. The panel’s report, submitted on February 2, 2024, led to the suspension of the Governing Council members and the appointment of Dr. Muazu-Maifata, the institution’s Librarian, as Acting Rector.
However, the appointment of Dr. Muazu-Maifata has sparked outrage among academic staff. Critics argue that his selection contravenes the Polytechnic’s enabling law, which stipulates that an Acting Rector must be a confirmed staff member with at least 15 years of cognate experience, including 10 years in a Polytechnic and at least five years as a Chief Lecturer. Dr. Muazu-Maifata, who joined the institution as a Librarian I on Grade Level 9, does not meet these qualifications.
Further controversy arose following the publication of an advertorial on March 13, 2025, by the newly constituted Governing Council, inviting applications for the position of substantive Rector. The advertised criteria required a minimum of 10 years of teaching experience in tertiary institutions, including four years in a Polytechnic. This falls short of the Polytechnic Law’s requirement of 15 years and the National Board for Technical Education’s (NBTE) guideline of 17 years, including 10 years in a Polytechnic and at least five years as a Chief Lecturer. Academic staff allege that these diluted requirements were designed to favor a preferred candidate with only four years of Polytechnic experience.
In response, a Search Team composed of Chief Lecturers was constituted to oversee the selection process. However, the team claims it was sidelined by the Governing Council, which unilaterally shortlisted and interviewed candidates, violating the institution’s enabling law. In a letter dated May 3, 2025, the Search Team accused the Council of usurping its role and demanded the opportunity to carry out its statutory duties.
Despite the mounting controversy, a shortlist of three candidates has been forwarded to the Nasarawa State Governor, who serves as the institution’s Visitor. Among the nominees is Dr. Muazu-Maifata, whose eligibility remains widely disputed. Additionally, Professor Musa Dalhatu, a former Senior Lecturer at the Polytechnic and one-time TETFund Desk Officer, is on the list. Dalhatu was reportedly indicted for misappropriation of funds during Professor Silas Gyar’s administration and currently affiliates with the Federal University of Lafia. He does not meet the legal qualifications for consideration.
Amid growing unrest, stakeholders within the Polytechnic are calling on the Nasarawa State Government to restore order and credibility by re-advertising both the Rector and Registrar positions under proper guidelines, as was recently done at the State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia, where the NBTE template was fully adopted.
The unfolding crisis at IMAP underscores the challenges facing Nigeria’s higher education institutions in adhering to governance standards and ensuring leadership appointments are made in accordance with established laws and regulations.