The former Rector of Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, Rev Fr (Dr) Wence Madu, who was nick named “Mugagbe of Imo Poly” because of his sit tight syndrome and refusal to vacate office almost two (2) years after his tenure elapsed in August 2018, is due for retirement in September 2020.
Dr Wence who sat for the West African School Certificate Examination in 1975, obtained his Bachelors Degree (BSc) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1975, Master of Science (MSc) from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka in 1991, a second Master of Science Degree from Praire View ASM University, Texas, USA, in 1995 and a Doctorate Degree (Ph.D) from Abia State University, Uturu in 1997, was offered employment at Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, as Lecturer II, in April 2008.
He rose through the ranks and was a Chief Lecturer on Hatis salary level 14.2, when he was made Acting Rector of the institution by former Governor Rochas Okorocha in 2011. He served in acting capacity for one year before he became the substantive Rector and was supposed to be in office for four (4) years.
However, shortly after he was made a substantive Rector in 2012, he wangled his way and lobbied the House of Assembly to amend the regulations guiding the conditions of service in the polytechnic, to enable him enjoy a single five (5) year tenure, instead of the usual renewable 4 year tenure. He had his way and served for almost seven (7) years instead of five.
Trouble however started, when he refused to step down, when his five year single tenure elapsed in August 2018. Dr Wence, remained adamant inspite of mass protests against his sit tight syndrome.
In the midst of the chaos and confusion caused by the former Rector’s obstinacy, Imo Poly was almost grounded with prolonged strikes that rocked it’s foundation and disrupted the academic calendar to the detriment of students. Staff were also owed several months arrears of salary and other emoluments, when paid, it was thirty percent less than what they should get.
It was also gathered that Dr Wence who was made a substantive Rector in 2012, after spending one year in acting capacity remained in office until 2019, when he was removed by former Governor Emeka Ihedioha, who appointed P.N Njoku as Acting Rector of the school, wrote the management of Imo Poly to pay him the sum of N8 million, which, according to him, was what he ought to have earned as salary for the eight (8) months that his successor, Njoku acted as Rector.
However, when the press got wind of his request to be paid N8 million and made an issue of it, the management of Imo Poly stepped down the payment.
