FEDPONEK Recruitment: Dr. Igbokwe Sets National Benchmark in Inclusive, Transparent Process

In line with its unwavering commitment to transparency, meritocracy, and institutional excellence, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, has successfully concluded a landmark recruitment exercise that stands out for its fairness, inclusivity, and adherence to due process in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.

Guided by the bold and reform-driven leadership of the Rector, Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe, the Polytechnic demonstrated that recruitment in public institutions can indeed be transparent, accountable, and people-centered through its public call for applications, shortlisting and interview as well as issuance of employment letters and documentation processes among other determining factors.

According to a press release issued by the Special Assistant to the Rector on Media Matters, Noble Uchegbu Zachariah on August 3, 2025, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede is not just playing an armchair rectorship role but fully on ground to enforce transparency, accountability, absorption of Part-Time and Contract Staff in line with federal character principles, among other mechanism put in place to check the process.

The release reads in subheaded parts:

“Public Call for Applications and Oversight by the Rector

As part of the process, the institution issued a public advertisement calling for applications to fill various academic and non-academic positions. In a rare display of hands-on leadership, Dr. Igbokwe personally provided oversight during earlier stages of the process in June 2025, visiting interview centers to ensure strict compliance with federal regulations.  Her active involvement reaffirmed the zero-tolerance stance on any form of malpractice and her dedication to upholding the integrity of the institution.

“Shortlisting and Interview Process

Candidates were shortlisted based on clearly defined criteria. The ensuing interviews and assessments were conducted under strict supervision, reflecting the Rector’s unyielding resolve to enshrine merit, discipline and fairness in the institutional processes.

“Issuance of Employment Letters & Documentation

Between July 28 and July 31, 2025, the Polytechnic reached another milestone by issuing official employment letters and conducting documentation for successful candidates. This marked a timely and well-organized culmination of the recruitment cycle. This process continues to remain open within the stipulated four-week window to accommodate all successful applicants, reflecting the administration’s commitment to due process and transparency.

“Commitment to Federal Character and Inclusivity

True to her reputation for inclusive governance, Dr. Igbokwe ensured that the recruitment process notably respected the Federal Character principle, guaranteeing representation across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

A milestone of this exercise was the success of over 12  physically challenged individuals, making the Polytechnic a shinning example of social responsibility and inclusive employment within Nigeria’s educational landscape.

“Promise Kept: Absorption of Part-Time and Contract Staff

True to her earlier promise, Dr. Igbokwe oversaw the absorption of a significant number of part-time and contract staff into permanent roles. This compassionate and strategic gesture has been widely applauded within and beyond the Polytechnic community, underscores her administration’s credibility, empathy and unflinching support to staff welfare.

“A Transformative Recruitment Exercise

Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Basilia Igbokwe, this recruitment exercise has been hailed as one of the most, transparent, fair,  and inclusive in the institution’s history. It is a clear reflection of her reform-oriented  agenda since  assuming office in September 2024.

By honouring  long-serving staff, expanding opportunities for marginalized groups, and upholding ethical governance, Dr. (Mrs.)  Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe has once again demonstrated that leadership anchored on integrity and compassion can transform institutions as well inspire hope.

Federal Polytechnic Nekede, under her stewardship, continues to lead by example, setting new standards in governance, merit-driven processes, and social equity for other institutions to emulate.