By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The petition seeking the suspension of the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Alhaji Sani Usman, and a forensic audit of the institution should be subjected to a transparent investigation rather than treated as proof of wrongdoing, an analyst has said.
In a response to the petition, the analyst said allegations relating to the institution’s finances, procurement, recruitment, promotions and administrative conduct should be examined by competent authorities through due process, with the management and other relevant stakeholders given the opportunity to respond and present verifiable evidence.
The analyst stressed that the focus should be on protecting the integrity of the institution and ensuring proper management of public resources, rather than the personalities involved.
According to the response, allegations should neither be dismissed outright nor treated as established facts before an investigation. Instead, the relevant authorities should review the records, examine the claims and hear from all parties before reaching any conclusion.
The analyst said a transparent and independent audit, if deemed necessary by the appropriate authorities, could serve the interests of all parties, including the management of the Polytechnic.
“If the allegations are unsupported, a credible investigation would provide an opportunity for the institution and its officials to be cleared publicly. If irregularities are established, the same process would provide the evidence necessary for appropriate administrative or legal action,” the response stated.
The analyst also urged the management of Federal Polytechnic Bauchi to address each substantive allegation, while encouraging staff members, students, contractors and other stakeholders with relevant information to submit verifiable evidence through appropriate channels.
The response drew a distinction between demanding accountability and declaring an individual guilty, stressing that a petition remained an allegation and not a judicial finding.
It also noted that an investigation should not be equated with a conviction, maintaining that public discussions of the matter should preserve the presumption of innocence and avoid presenting unverified claims as established facts.
At the same time, the analyst said public institutions must remain open to legitimate scrutiny, particularly because Federal Polytechnic Bauchi is substantially funded with public resources.
According to the response, Nigerians therefore have a legitimate interest in knowing whether the institution’s finances, recruitment processes, procurement activities and administrative decisions are being conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
The analyst consequently urged the appropriate authorities to determine whether the allegations contained in the petition provide sufficient basis for a formal investigation and, if necessary, conduct such an inquiry professionally and independently.
The response further called on Usman and the management of the Polytechnic to use the opportunity to address the concerns raised in the petition with facts, documents and clear explanations.
It said a detailed response from the management could help distinguish genuine issues from misunderstandings, misinformation or allegations that cannot be substantiated.
The analyst also cautioned that failure to address the allegations could leave room for speculation, even where legitimate explanations may exist for some of the issues raised.
“The Analyst therefore encourages the management to make its position known and provide any relevant documentation it considers necessary to clarify the issues,” the response stated.
The analyst maintained that the objective of the controversy should extend beyond any individual occupying an official position at the Polytechnic.
It described Federal Polytechnic Bauchi as an important public institution serving students, staff and the wider community, stressing that its reputation, academic standards, financial integrity and administrative stability should be protected.
The response said that if an audit is conducted, it should be comprehensive, professional and free from political or personal considerations.
It added that if no wrongdoing is established, the outcome should be respected, while any wrongdoing established through due process should attract appropriate action in accordance with the law.
The analyst said the principle of institutional accountability required that facts precede conclusions, evidence precede accusations and due process precede judgment.
The response also stated that the analyst would continue to provide space for all parties to present their positions while clearly distinguishing between allegations, verified facts and findings established by competent authorities.
