By Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah
OWERRI — In a bold move to reposition technical education and entrench sound administrative practices within Nigeria’s tertiary landscape, the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri (FEDPONNEK), recently convened its 3rd Public Lecture Series. Held at the institution’s 1,000-Capacity Auditorium, the high-level intellectual gathering brought together legal luminaries, public administrators, and academic leaders to interrogate the critical role of legal frameworks in university and polytechnic management.
The landmark event, themed “The Role of Law in Higher Institution Administration in Nigeria,” served as a strategic platform to champion institutional accountability, due process, and rule of law across the nation’s higher education sector.
The Host & Institutional Vision: Dr. Basilia Igbokwe’s Push for Integrity
Serving as Chief Host, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Dr. Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to building a law-abiding and administratively sound institution. She emphasized that as higher institutions navigate complex legal and regulatory environments, management, staff, and students must be grounded in sound legal principles.
”We want to enhance legal awareness among staff and students, protect the academic image of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, and increase the visibility of the institution in the global academic environment,” Dr. Igbokwe stated. “Let us engage, learn, and take away insights that will help us build a more law-abiding and administratively sound institution.”
Dr. Igbokwe also commended the Inaugural and Public Lecture Series Committee, chaired by Dr. Anayo Uhiara, for resuscitating the institution’s rich tradition of academic lectures, noting that such intellectual engagements are central to elevating FEDPONNEK’s global standing.
Chairman of the Occasion: Rt. Hon. Good luck, Nanah Opiah on Parity and Process
Presiding over the event, former Minister of State for Education, Rt. Hon. Goodluck Nanah Opiah highlighted the essential relationship between law, policy, and administration in institutional success.
”Law defines responsibilities. Policy gives direction. Administration translates both into action,” Opiah noted.
He strongly advocated for the parity of polytechnic education, urging stakeholders to reject the outdated notion that polytechnics are inferior to universities. He stressed that Nigeria’s industrial development relies heavily on technical institutions capable of raising graduates who can design, build, install, maintain, fabricate, program, and innovate.
Keynote Address: Rev. Fr. Prof. Maurice Izunwa on the Architecture of Administration
Delivering the Keynote Address, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Maurice Izunwa, Professor of Law at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, described law as the foundational architecture of administration.” He argued that institutional authority derives its legitimacy strictly from compliance with established statutory procedures.
Addressing the power dynamic within tertiary campuses, Prof. Izunwa observed that legal boundaries become most critical when administrative power is exercised, whether by Governing Councils over Management, Management over staff, or disciplinary committees over students. He insisted that all institutional heads, including Rectors, Vice-Chancellors, Registrars, and Deans, must exercise authority “according to law, through law, in law, with law and under the law”
Guest Speaker: Barr. Chukwuneke Anagbogu Urges Legal Capacity in Polytechnics
In his presentation, the Public Lecturer and Principal Assistant Registrar (Legal) of FEDPONNEK, Barr. Chukwuneke Anagbogu conducted a comparative analysis of the legal frameworks governing universities and polytechnics. He examined key statutory areas, including Governing Council compositions, appointments, disciplinary procedures, collective bargaining, and data protection.
Barr. Anagbogu warned that administrative actions taken without strict adherence to fair hearing and due process remain vulnerable to judicial reversal, leading to costly judgment debts for institutions. To mitigate these vulnerabilities, he advocated for the urgent strengthening of legal units across tertiary institutions through continuous professional training, digital tools, and comprehensive access to legal databases.
A Renewed Academic Culture
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Inaugural and Public Lecture Series Committee, Dr. Anayo Uhiara expressed gratitude to the Rector and Management for supporting the committee’s mandate. He noted that today’s lecture marks a sustained effort to entrench a vibrant culture of research dissemination and intellectual debate, revealing that more scholars have already stepped forward to deliver upcoming lectures before the end of the year.
The public lecture featured an interactive panel discussion with legal experts and academics from across Imo State, alongside the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Imo State as Special Guest of Honour
Vote of Thanks: Registrar Stanley U. Njoku Commends Stakeholders
Wrapping up the intellectual showcase, the Registrar of the Polytechnic, Mr. Stanley U. Njoku delivered an inspiring Note of Appreciation on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, staff, and students. He expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for the success of the event and commended the Chief Host and Rector, Pastor Dr. Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe, for her purposeful leadership, visionary direction, and commitment to academic excellence.
Mr. Njoku extended special appreciation to the Chairman of the Occasion, Rt. Hon. Good luck, Nanah Opiah, for his immense presence, as well as the Keynote Speaker, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Maurice Izunwa, and the Guest Lecturer, Barr. Chukwuneke Anagbogu, whose insightful expositions brought practical value to the theme. He further commended the panel of discussants, the Dr. Anayo Uhiara-led committee, members of the press, and the entire polytechnic community for their active participation.
The resuscitation of this lecture series, leading to this 3rd Public Lecture, is a testament to your commitment,” Mr. Njoku stated, wishing all attendees safe travels back to their respective destinations.
Through initiatives like this, Federal Polytechnic Nekede continues to set the pace, not only as a centre for technical skill acquisition but as a premier beacon for institutional integrity and good governance.
