“Lecturers Must Be the Best of the Best,” Says Delta Polytechnic Rector on Academic Integrity
REUTERS/Marcelo del Pozo
In a bold statement during Delta State Polytechnic’s inaugural colloquium, Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, the Rector of the institution, strongly condemned university and polytechnic lecturers who engage in corrupt practices, particularly extorting money from students. Speaking at the event, which was themed ‘Keeping Our Pride High, Avoiding the Pitfall: Prospects for Our Polytechnic Lecturers’, Professor Ufuophu-Biri declared that such unethical behavior was incompatible with the expectations of lecturers, who should be among the best and most upstanding members of society.
“As lecturers, you are the best of the best. When you are called a lecturer or a teacher, you are meant to embody excellence,” he asserted. The Rector further clarified that he does not collect money from students and condemned practices like writing projects for students, calling it “intellectual haram.” He emphasized that these practices reflect poorly on the integrity of higher education and must be eradicated.
The Rector also expressed strong disapproval of male lecturers who pursue romantic relationships with female students, labeling such actions as a sign of failure. “If you are a man who chases after girls, you have failed because women naturally go after successful men,” he said. Drawing a provocative comparison, he questioned whether a wealthy man like Ned Nwoko would have pursued actress Regina Daniels if she were selling bread on the streets, suggesting that success is the key to attracting attention.
Dr. Emmanuel Akpoveta, the guest speaker at the colloquium, supported Professor Ufuophu-Biri’s sentiments and called for an end to the marginalization of polytechnic lecturers by the government. He urged academics to resist greed and materialism, recognizing these as major pitfalls in the academic world.
A panel discussion followed, with contributions from Dr. Samuel Ogbogu, Dr. J. U. Nana, Dr. Henry Obeh Regards, Rev. Father Jesuovie Ogagavwodia, and Mrs. O. Odijie. The panelists unanimously condemned sexual harassment, regardless of whether it originates from lecturers or students. Mrs. Odijie reminded everyone that both lecturers and students are responsible for upholding the institution’s reputation and should avoid any misconduct that could tarnish it.
Other prominent figures at the event included Professor Nyerovwo Tonukari, the Commissioner for Higher Education (represented by Dr. Emoefe Okpimah), Andrew Orugbo, Chairman of the Governing Council of Delta State Polytechnic, the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom, Orefe III (represented by Chief Frank Emiko), and Chief Okakuro Ewhere Duncan Oghenochuko, the Executive Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Conflict Resolution.
In his remarks, Chief Oghenochuko praised the peaceful atmosphere on campus and condemned unethical practices like forcing students to buy handouts or engaging in “blocking.” He assured that the state government would soon begin monitoring lecturers’ conduct in higher institutions. He encouraged students to value their self-esteem and make the most of their academic journey, noting that polytechnic students are well-positioned for success.
Finally, Professor Nyerovwo Tonukari, represented by Dr. Emoefe Okpimah, expressed approval of Professor Ufuophu-Biri’s leadership, describing him as a “digital rector.” He echoed the call for decisive action against indecent dressing and sexual harassment, suggesting that the institution could adopt uniforms for students, similar to some universities, as a way to address these issues.
