By Danjuma Amodu | February 25, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Dr. Makoji Stephen as the new Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ugep, Cross River State, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to merit-driven leadership in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. The appointment, approved by the President, takes effect from March 17, 2026, for a single tenure of five years in line with the Polytechnic Act 2019 (as amended).
Dr. Makoji, an accomplished scholar with extensive local and international academic exposure, holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration with Second Class Upper Division from Ahmadu Bello University, earned in 1998. He subsequently obtained a Master of Science in Public Administration from Benue State University, a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from the University of Salford, UK, and a Ph.D. in Business and Management with specialization in Human Resource Management from the same institution.
Prior to his appointment, Dr. Makoji served as Chief Lecturer in the Department of Public Administration at the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, and as an Adjunct Faculty member in the Department of Public Policy and Administration at Miva Open University, Nigeria. He has also taught extensively at several universities in the United Kingdom and served as a Visiting Researcher in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States.
Dr. Makoji’s international experience and research excellence are notable, having served as a fully funded visiting researcher at Southern University’s International Centre for Information Technology and Development in the United States in 2011, and receiving a Graduate Scholar Award at the Conference on Knowledge, Culture and Change Management hosted by the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, in 2013. He is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management, United States; the Nigerian Institute of Training and Development; and Manchester Industrial Relations Society, United Kingdom.
Education stakeholders say his blend of administrative expertise, human capital development knowledge, and international research exposure positions him to strengthen institutional governance, academic standards, and industry relevance at Federal Polytechnic Ugep. His appointment aligns with the Tinubu administration’s broader agenda to elevate competence and global competitiveness within Nigeria’s higher education system.
As Rector, Dr. Makoji is expected to focus on strengthening institutional governance, academic standards, and industry relevance, with a vision that prioritizes research excellence, academic innovation, and community engagement. Expectations are high that he will transform Federal Polytechnic Ugep into a model of merit, research relevance, and administrative efficiency in Nigeria’s polytechnic education landscape.
The appointment has generated excitement among students, staff, and alumni of Federal Polytechnic Ugep, who are eager to see his vision for the institution take shape. The polytechnic’s governing council and management have assured stakeholders that the transition will be smooth and that Dr. Makoji will be formally inaugurated in a ceremony to be announced soon.
As the new Rector, Dr. Makoji faces several challenges, including addressing the institution’s infrastructure deficit, improving staff welfare, and enhancing academic standards. However, his experience and expertise are expected to help him navigate these challenges and position Federal Polytechnic Ugep as a leading institution in Nigeria’s polytechnic education sector.
The Cross River State government has welcomed the appointment and pledged to support Dr. Makoji in his new role. Governor Bassey Otu has expressed confidence that Dr. Makoji’s leadership will take Federal Polytechnic Ugep to new heights and contribute to the state’s development.
Dr. Makoji’s vision for the institution includes increasing research output, fostering industry partnerships, and improving student employability. He has also emphasized the importance of academic integrity, transparency, and accountability in achieving these goals. The Federal Polytechnic Ugep community is optimistic about the future, and expectations are high that Dr. Makoji will deliver on his promises and transform the institution into a hub of academic excellence and innovation.
