PRESS RELEASE
The Rector’s Media Office of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, hereby issues a formal statement condemning in the strongest terms a false, misleading, and malicious publication by WatchDog Newspaper, alleging that the institution is “under siege” and that unidentified masked men had attacked two students on campus.
The Rector of the institution, Dr. Basilia N. Igbokwe, expresses her total disappointment that a media organization would conduct itself in such an unprofessional and irresponsible manner, deliberately publishing information that is entirely false, unverified, and capable of causing panic within the academic community.
The Rector describes the report as a reckless fabrication aimed at distorting facts, creating fear, and undermining the reputation and peace of the Polytechnic. She affirms that at no time was the institution under threat, nor has any attack, violence, or killing occurred within the campus. Federal Polytechnic Nekede remains safe, calm, and secure.
The Management reassures students, staff, parents, and the general public that the Polytechnic maintains a robust, proactive, and well-coordinated security system, working in strong collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies. No incident resembling the claims made by WatchDog Newspaper has been reported or recorded.
The Polytechnic condemns this act of misinformation and warns against deliberate dissemination of falsehood that may incite fear or disrupt the smooth administration of academic activities.
The Management hereby demands an immediate retraction of the false report and a public apology from WatchDog Newspaper. Failure to do so will compel the institution to take necessary legal and institutional actions to protect its integrity and counter further reputational damage*.
We strongly advise the public to rely solely on official communication channels of the institution and to verify information before sharing or reacting to sensationalist publications.
Federal Polytechnic Nekede remains committed to fostering a safe, peaceful, and conducive environment for learning, innovation, and community development.
Signed:
Rector’s Media Aide
Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri
