From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
The Federal Polytechnic, Ohodo, Enugu State, yesterday, held its Maiden Matriculation Ceremony for the first set of National Diploma Students of the institution, promising to produce skilled, employable graduates and job creators.
The institution was established in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari alongside other five polytechnics. The pioneer Rector, Prof. Edwin Onyeneje, in a remark, said the staff, students, and management team of the Institute as well as the host community were overjoyed to witness the history-making event in the Polytechnic.
“History is made today as Federal Polytechnic Ohodo celebrates her very first matriculation ceremony of our pioneer students. Staff, management, and even the good people of Ohodo community are overjoyed to see this day. We are very glad to welcome our pioneer students to this all-important academic exercise.
“Ohodo Polytechnic is equipped with cutting-edge facilities that would engender rapid technological skills. Our staff are energetic, analytically sound, experienced, and highly motivated.
“We seek to influence our society by raising a brand with a unique identity and attitude, impact cutting edge skills in different and evolving areas of knowledge in such a manner that our products/brand will effortlessly carve a niche for themselves in the global market,” he said.
The Rector explained that the mission of the Institution was to train globally competitive professionals for self-reliance and rounded development. His words: “We encourage research and innovation while providing the necessary prompts for our students and even the lecturers to explore and invent, to tackle the ever-evolving challenges of our fast-changing world.
“We try to promote integrity, discipline, innovation, creativity, diligence, mutual respect, and respect for the environment. We sincerely expect our students to imbibe these virtues.
“To our students, social vices such as drug use and sales are prohibited in this great Institution, we have zero tolerance for cult-related or any criminal activities. As such, you are expected to be of exemplary behavior and a beacon of hope for the future of Nigeria.”
“We shall not tolerate examination malpractices, indecency in dresses and conduct.”
Onyeneje explained that the matriculating students are those admitted for the National Diploma programme in the Department of Electrical Electronic Engineering as approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), adding that the institution was hopeful that more programmes like ND Computer Science, ND Science Laboratory Technology and ND Public Administration would soon be approved to join the next matriculation.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his giant strides in the education system in the country. He also applauded the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, for his good leadership and capacity in the ministry.
Similarly, he commended the pioneer Governing Council led by Chief Silva Ameh, former Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and former Secretary to Enugu State Government, Prof. Simon Ortuanya for their contributions towards laying a solid foundation for Polytechnic.
Prof. Ndidiamaka Ozofor, Director, Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu who delivered the maiden matriculation lecture titled, “The Eagle Has Landed” described education as a “never-ending process.”