Jubilation Rocks FEDPONEK as Stakeholders Laud Rector Arimanwa Over Digital Conduct Of EPSA Elections

Stakeholders in the polytechnic community have applauded the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede for deploying digital technology in the conduct of the recent election of the new executive officers of the Evening Programme Students Association of the institution.

Speaking to FEDPONEK GAZETTE as made available to this newspaper, the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Okafo Okoreaffia, applauded the Rector for using technology to solve problems associated with elections in the institution.

According to him, “The electronic voting introduced by the Rector is the best; it is easy, reliable and transparent. It is good that students have faith in the process. It is important to stress that the electronic voting system is seamless, genuine, free and fair. It has reduced cost, time and stress of conducting a typical EPSA election.

“Before now, student elections used to dovetail far into the nights before they were concluded. But the reverse is now the case as elections are concluded in record time and the results published without any disputation.”

According to the Director, Evening Programme, Dr. Mrs. Ego J. Obi-Okogbuo, “I am happy to witness this wonderful innovation from our Rector. The electronic voting system so deployed is very easy and fast. I am highly elated that our digital Rector has made electronic voting a culture in our institution. As you can see, students have keyed into the technology due to its efficiency.”

Similarly, Mr. Reginald Ossai, Deputy Director, Evening Programme, praised the Rector for institutionalizing electronic voting in the polytechnic, calling on other higher institutions and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take a cue from the Rector’s use of technology to reform the electoral process.

“The entire process is monitored through the Zoom and every vote cast counts. You can stay anywhere in the world and monitor the process. It is simply great!”

For the outgoing President of EPSA, Onyema Ahanonu, “The electronic voting is the best. Our Rector is indeed a smart administrator as he has used technology to eliminate electoral challenges. He has redefined the system and made it a clean process where a winner or loser emerges in a transparent way.”

The Rector has maintained that the electronic voting system remains a credible means of determining winners and losers in a seamless and cost-effective way. He describes it as a “paradigm shift” from the inefficiency of manual voting and collation with its susceptibility to manipulations.

“We had cases of people snatching ballot boxes or people contesting the outcomes of elections. The worst of it is that manual voting is expensive. Today we have a digital platform where you vote and see your vote count. The whole world watches the process because it is efficient, transparent and auditable. Above all, it is less rancorous. I do not see reason for spending so much for what I would do for far less amount.

“We have not only saved money, we have also prevented violent reactions bedeviling students’ elections. Before, elections lasted through the night and when the results were announced, pockets of agitations would erupt, prompting the calling of the police and State Security Services to come and restore order.”

At the end of the elections, Dapu Metonawaji Isotu (21EH/0010/AC) of Accountancy Department emerged president while Chigozie Glory Umunna (21EH/0068/ST-MB) emerged vice president.

Others were Bassey Blessing (General Secretary), Vivian Edwin (Ass. General Secretary), Onyeabor Innocent (Director of Finance), Faith Geoffrey (Treasurer), Cynthia Amah (Director of Publicity), Victor Enyinna (Director of Socials), Moses Ogo (Director of Transport) and Peter Temple (Director of Sports).

(C) FEDPONEK GAZETTE 10 MARCH, 2023