By Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim, Goronyo
The Committee of Federal Polytechnic Rectors (COFER), at its 37th Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, 15th April 2025, at the Veterinary Council, Abuja, unanimously elected Dr. Salisu Shehu Umar, Rector of Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, as the new Chairman of COFER.
This was contained in a press release written by Godwin B. Ayegba, the COFER
Secretary at Abuja.
The tenure of Dr. Salisu Shehu will commence on 12th May 2025, following the expiration of the current Chairman, Prof. Aliyu Mamman, Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Daura.
Prior to his election, Dr. S. S. Umar served as the South-South Zonal Co-ordinator of COFER. He will serve as Chairman until the conclusion of his tenure as Rector of Auchi Polytechnic.
Other officials elected at the meeting include: Dr. Agbabiaka Lukman Adegoke, Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, Bayelsa State – Vice-Chairman; Dr. Suleiman Umar, Rector, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna State – Treasurer; Dr. Duke Okoro, Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, Delta State – South-South Zonal Co-ordinator.
The zonal coordinators for the other regions, who are currently serving, include: Dr. Sabo Wada Dutse, Rector – North-West Zone; Dr. Mikhail A. Akinde, Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro – South-West Zone; Dr. Mohammed Usman, Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Bali – North-East Zone; Dr. Yahaya Baba Usman, Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Idah – North-Central Zone and Dr. Feliz U. Attah, Rector, Akanu-Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana – South-East Zone.
COFER functions under the umbrella of COHEADS and serves as a collaborative platform for Rectors of all Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria. It facilitates the exchange of ideas, experiences, and solutions to shared challenges through meetings, workshops, seminars, and conferences. The body also promotes cooperation among member institutions and between Rectors and staff of Federal and State Polytechnics, other tertiary institutions, and regulatory bodies.