President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Makoji Stephen as the new Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ugep, Cross River State, in a move that underscores the administration’s focus on merit-based leadership in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
The appointment takes effect from March 17, 2026, and will run for a single tenure of five years, in accordance with the Polytechnic Act 2019 (as amended).
Dr. Makoji’s elevation places a globally trained academic and human resource management expert at the helm of the institution at a pivotal moment marked by institutional growth, innovation, and reform.
Strong Academic Foundation
An accomplished scholar with both local and international exposure, Dr. Makoji earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration (Second Class Upper Division) from Ahmadu Bello University in 1998. He later obtained a Master of Science in Public Administration from Benue State University.
Driven by a quest for global academic experience, he proceeded to the United Kingdom as a self-sponsored student, where he bagged a Master of Science in Human Resource Management in 2009 from the University of Salford.
In 2016, he completed a Ph.D. in Business and Management with specialization in Human Resource Management at the University of Salford Business School, under the sponsorship of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
Before his new appointment, Dr. Makoji served as Chief Lecturer in the Department of Public Administration at Federal Polytechnic, Idah.
He also held an Adjunct Faculty position in the Department of Public Policy and Administration at Miva Open University, Nigeria.
His academic footprint extends beyond Nigeria. He has taught extensively at universities in the United Kingdom and served as a Visiting Researcher in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States — experiences that have enriched his global academic and research perspective.
With his blend of administrative expertise, international exposure, and research depth, stakeholders expect Dr. Makoji’s leadership to strengthen academic standards, deepen institutional reforms, and enhance staff development at Federal Polytechnic Ugep.
His appointment signals renewed attention to competence and professionalism in the management of Nigeria’s higher education institutions as the federal government pushes forward with reforms in the education sector.
