By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
THE Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Mohammad Idris, has counselled the management of the Federal Polytechnic, Orogun (FEPO), Delta State, to uphold the values of integrity and shun acts of illegalities including over-enrollment.
He handed down the counsel on Saturday at the maiden matriculation ceremony of the Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
Dignitaries at the maiden matriculation ceremony
Describing the colourful ceremony as a great milestone in the history of the institution, Prof Idris, represented by Mr Cyril Mbong, Zonal Director, South-South Zonal office of NBTE, urged the management to create an enabling environment that would encourage the students to truly exhibit their latent gifts.
Stonix News reports that no fewer than 150 students were matriculated to NBTE-approved National Diploma (ND) programmes in the Department of Business Administration and Management, Department of Statistics, and the Department of Accounting of the institution.
Rector of FEPO, Dr Duke Okoro, who admitted the matriculation oaths on the 150 pioneer students, urged them to take full advantage of the practical and industry-based skills which the lecturers would impart on them.
Okoro also encouraged the students to embrace the values of integrity, perseverance and innovation in the course of their academic pursuits in the new polytechnic.
The matriculants taking the oath
“Let this institution be not just a place of learning, but a platform for growth, exploration and self-discovery.
“Here, you will not only acquire knowledge, but also cultivate skills, nurture talents and foster lifelong friendships.
“Education encompasses a holistic approach that extends beyond textbooks and lectures. I, therefore, encourage you to actively engage in extracurricular activities.
“Participate in community service initiatives, and seize every opportunity to broaden your horizons,” he admonished.
Okoro also urged the students to resist the desire to take advantage of newfound freedom in the campus and focused on their studies to be able to contend with the competitive demands in the labour market.
He reminded the students that the society was transitioning to a knowledge-based economy rather than a certificate-based economy which does not give room for indolence or lack of creativity.
Cross section of matriculants and other stakeholders
The Rector said that the institution was committed to providing the students with a conducive learning environment with its state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated team of educators.
“We are committed to providing a dynamic and supportive learning environment that encourages our students to pursue their passion, develop their skills and achieve their goals.
“Success is defined not by the problems you face, but your ability to overcome them. Believe in yourself and focus on your goals.
“The path to success may be fraught with challenges but with drive and endurance, you can overcome them,” he said.
Rector of FEPO, Dr Duke Okoro
Okoro said that the Polytechnic was driven by a clear vision to be an institution grounded in cutting-edge digital literacy for vocational skills acquisition and character moulding.
He added that the mission of the institution was to provide digital literacy skills and entrepreneurial education and training to promote self-reliance for societal growth.
“Our academic programmes are designed to meet the needs of today’s rapidly changing job market, grounded in real-world experience and hands-on learning.
Cross section of matriculants taking the oath
“We anticipate a future with a wide variety of academic programmes spread among three schools: the School of Business Studies, the School of Applied Sciences and the School of Engineering.
“While we await the National Board for Technical Education’s (NBTE) approval for the other nine programmes.
“We are excited to begin our academic programmes with the three already approved; Department of Administration and Management, Statistics, and Accounting,” he said.
Okoro said that the institution had zero tolerance for examination malpractice and other academic misconducts and urged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical behaviors.
He, however, charged the students to cooperate with the Management in making the institution a beacon of academic excellence, a hub of innovation and catalyst for positive change in society.
“As we look into the future, let us remember that we are FEPOLITES, setting the pace for others to follow.
“At FEPO, we have zero tolerance for malpractice and academic misconduct.
“We expect you to uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical behaviour.
“Let us uphold the values of excellence, integrity, and innovation in all that we do, and let us work together to realize the full potential of Federal Polytechnic Orogun as a beacon of knowledge, innovation, and progress,” he charged.
Earlier, the FEPO boss expressed his gratitude to the Visitor of the institution, the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his “unwavering love for education and steadfast support instrumental in the smooth takeoff of our polytechnic.”
Dr Okoro also expressed his appreciation to the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari, who granted the approval for the establishment of the polytechnic in 2022, as well as the former Deputy Senate President, Chief Ovie Obarisi Omo-Agege, “whose tireless efforts in initiating the Bill for the establishment of our polytechnic at the National Assembly have turned a dream into today’s reality.”
“Furthermore, I extend our gratitude to our esteemed strategic partners including the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), the Tertiary Education Fund (TETFund), the Federal Ministry of Education, and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP).
“Your collaboration and support have been invaluable in laying the foundation for our success,” the Rector enthused.
Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerovwo Tonukari.
Some of the matriculants, who spoke to our reporter, expressed optimism of being pioneers of the institution, promising to savour the privilege through hard work and commitment.
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