Encouraging news has emerged from the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep in Cross River State, with the announcement of former lawmaker, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa as the new Chairman of the institution’s Governing Board.
Inside sources report that the Polytechnic authorities are optimistic about the potential positive impact that Senator Ita-Giwa’s appointment will have on the institution. This is due to her impeccable public service track record, management skills, and experience.
This development comes on the heels of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of over 560 individuals into the governing councils and boards of Federal Government-owned tertiary institutions across the country. The Presidential approval encompasses the reconstituted list of Governing Councils and Boards of federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Popularly nicknamed “Mma Bakassai” because of her passionate humanitarian work in the area, Ita-Giwa’s appointment is considered a fitting recognition of her resilience and unflinching devotion to public service.
Having served as a Presidential Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo as well as being in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the 78-year-old stateswoman brings a wealth of experience to her new role with high expectations for effective leadership and service delivery at the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep.
Importantly too, stakeholders in the education sector are saying the appointment is in recognition of her extensive background in public service and dedication to community development, even as they expect that she leverages her considerable expertise to further the institution’s goals and enhance its contributions to technical education in Nigeria.
Standing out as a prominent female voice from the South-South region, ‘Mma Giwa’, who has also worked against human trafficking and sex slavery, played a pivotal role in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaigns during the 2023 presidential election.
Many agree that her strong advocacy and commitment to the “Renewed Hope” agenda greatly promoted Tinubu’s candidacy, his administration’s vision, and policies.
Inspired by President Tinubu’s slogan “Emi lokan,” which emphasizes the importance of rotational power arrangements, Ita Giwa also created “Ini Nnyin Edi Emi” in Cross River State, strengthening support within the All Progressives Congress (APC). This slogan stresses the peaceful and orderly transition of power among the state’s three senatorial districts.
Recalled that the appointment was conveyed in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Nnamdi Mbaeri.
It stated that the President “approved the reconstitution of Governing Councils and Boards of Federal Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education for the effective management of Nigerian tertiary institutions across the country.”
