Federal Poly Nekede Deploys Electronic Voting In SUG Elections

• DEAN, STUDENTS HAIL PROCESS

Consistent with his Smart Campus Initiative, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Engr. Dr. M.C. Arimanwa FNSE has deployed technology in the election of the Student Union Government (SUG) officials held penultimate Thursday.

The technology so deployed enabled students to cast their votes electronically. There was also a zoom platform activated to allow students and stakeholders monitor the progress of the elections.

Speaking to FEDPONEK GAZETTE, the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Okafo Okeraffia described the elections as seamless and transparent, hailing the consistency of electronic voting in the elections. “This is the third time we are voting online. It was seamless and transparent. All contestants saw kept tab with their performance as the elections progressed. I can say that the electronic voting procedure has eliminated incidences of complaints and violence associated with students’ elections.”

On his own, the outgoing president of SUG, Mr. Valentine Ahaneku, described the election as smart and stress-free. “It was awesome and less stressful to Nigerian students. The election process was precise and accurate. The Student Union Government is very happy with the Rector and his Management team for being consistent in the deployment of ICT in our elections.”

Similarly, the Vice President-elect, Miss Jennifer Nnabuife described the election as smooth and efficient. “The electronic voting seems to be the best option for all of us. It checks rigging and malpractices as the votes of students really do count. I can describe the election as smooth and fair. I thank the Rector for introducing electronic balloting in Federal Polytechnic Nekede. I now see why the Rector, Engr. Dr. Michael Chidiebere Arimanwa is called a smart Rector.”

The students numbering almost a thousand voted at the Polytechnic CBT Centre after which results were collated electronically by the ICT Directorate of the polytechnic.

The result of the election made available to FEDPONEK GAZETTE indicates that Okebaram, Stanley C. (Civil Engineering) emerged President while Nnabuife, Jennifer C. (Public Administration) emerged Vice President.

Other officers elected electronically include: Obidiaso, Nwabunike A. (Secretary General), Alo, Ekene C. (Assistant Secretary), Benjamin, Wisdom C. (Director of Finance), Okonta, Chidiebere J. (Assistant Director of Finance), Alumona Precious C. (Treasurer), Edomobi, Giovanni C (Director of Welfare) and Opara, Barnabas C. (Director of Publicity).

Others are Daniel, Precious N. (Director of Health), Ojukwu, Henry J. (Assistant Director of Health), Uchegbu, John U. (Director of Socials), Njoku, Kingsley U. (Director of Health) and Anyanwu, Wisdom W. (Director of Sports).

It will be recalled that the Rector has been revolutionizing operations in the polytechnic through his Smart Campus Initiative. The initiative has seen to the massive deployment of internet and Wi-Fi services in the institution, a feat that has engendered efficiency in the operation of the polytechnic. The Rector has insisted that over 80% of operational challenges in the polytechnic can be eliminated by technology.

It is commendable that virtually all elections in the polytechnic under Rector Arimanwa have been conducted electronically. This is consistent with the Rector’s knack with excellence.

The Governing Council of the institution has commended the Smart Campus Initiative, stating that it has reduced the humungous cost of procuring stationery for school operations. It is remarkable that the Rector has announced that the polytechnic would soon go totally paperless.

©FEDPONEK GAZETTE 22 JANUARY, 2023