The House of Representatives Committee on Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education has raised concerns over the spending of N600 million by authorities of the Federal Polytechnic Ugep, Cross River State, on personnel and overhead costs, despite having only 142 students and 154 staff members.

During a budget performance review,the Polytechnic’s Rector, Prof. Edward Okey, explained that the institution, established in 2021, faced significant challenges starting operations.

He revealed that a N2 billion take-off grant was used for renovations, constructing new facilities, and acquiring vehicles. However, the Committee questioned the justification for such expenses, including N38 million spent on local travel.

Prof. Okey also attributed low enrollment to Ugep's stigmatized history, which he said has deterred students and staff.

Despite efforts to address the stigma, the institution has only managed to admit 79 students this year, bringing the total to 142, including students inherited from the Institute of Technology and Management (ITM).

A committee member Hon Kolawole Akintayo described Ugep’s spending as unsustainable, pointing out that the personnel cost alone was nearly N500 million for just 142 students, comparing it unfavorably to local elementary schools with much larger enrollments.

Committee Chairman Rep. Fuad Kayode Laguda criticized the poor preparation of presentations from institutions invited for oversight, including six Federal Polytechnics from the South-South region.

He demanded a re-presentation of reports within a week, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency.