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…As Rector warns against exam malpractices, social vices
From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
The Federal Polytechnic, Ohodo, Enugu State, on Thursday, 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.
Daily Sun recalled that the institution was established in 2021, by former President Muhammadu Buhari, alongside other five polytechnics.
Prof. Edwin Onyeneje, the pioneer Rector, Federal Polytechnic Ohodo, in a remark, said that staff, students, and management team of the Institute as well as the host community were overjoyed to witness the history-making day 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.
Speaking further the Rector said that the mission of the Institution is to train globally competitive professionals for self-reliance and rounded development.
“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 were 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,” he said.
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 is 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, and Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education for his good leadership and capacity in the ministry, as well as Joint Administration and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar, Prof Ishaq Olayede and the get to Secretary of NBTE, Prof Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of TETFund, Mr. Sonny Echono for their wonderful drive to reposition education in Nigeria.
The Rector also 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.”
He said that education is a continuous process through which learners acquire the knowledge, skills, habits sentiments, and values which enable them to live usefully and happily in their society.
According to Ozofor, “Education is like climbing a high mountain and only the enthusiasts can accomplish the task. Our education world over is always enthusiastic if we can conduct our affairs with diligence.
“I urge the matriculating students to see education as a mission, and conduct your activities with great enthusiasm,” he said.
He pointed out that the re-evaluation process of Polytechnic education, cosmetology of nursing educators must take prominence to ensure that educational goals can be effectively achieved.
“Modern Polytechnics lecturers should view reality only in terms of experimental and veritable dimensions, they should lead their students to digitalizations, experimentations, and truths that can be verified,” he said.
In an interview with Henry Ogbuikwu, one of the matriculating students, he expressed his gratitude to God who made it possible for him to get admission into the Polytechnic, as well as expressed special appreciation to his parents for investing in his education and promised to make them proud by graduating with flying colours.
The ceremony was attended by Traditional Rulers and some members of the host communities, parents, and guidance of the matriculating students, and representatives of other educational institutions in the state, among others.
The highlights of the occasion was the presentation of the matriculating students to the Rector by the Polytechnic’s Pioneer Registrar, Barr. Grace Eze-Ali, and Oath taking by the pioneer students.
