Rector charges freshmen to pursue excellence, moral discipline

From Felix Ikem, Nsukka

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ohodo, in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Enugu State, Dr Ediri Emmanuel Agada, has charged the newly admitted students of the institution to study and work hard to achieve academic excellence and moral discipline.

Agada gave the charge on Friday during the institution’s 3rd Matriculation Ceremony held at the polytechnic field.

He said that the matriculation ceremony is a significant milestone in the institution’s steady growth within the country’s technical, vocational, entrepreneurial, and professional education sector, as well as the beginning of a disciplined, rewarding, and successful academic journey for the new students.

“Today marks the official beginning of your academic journey. It is a day of celebration, responsibility, discipline, and renewed commitment to excellence.

“You are the pioneers of your own future. What you do here will determine the graduates you become. Aim for excellence, build supportive friendships, avoid bad company, respect your parents and guardians, and remember that your character is as important as your certificate.

“The Polytechnic remains committed to strengthening infrastructure, expanding programs, improving staff capacity, and creating a peaceful environment for teaching, learning, research, and innovation.

“We will continue to collaborate with government agencies, regulatory bodies, development partners, the host community, and stakeholders to fulfil our mandate,” he said.

The rector highlighted the institution’s dedication to producing skilled manpower, innovative thinkers, problem-solvers, and self-reliant graduates who according to him will contribute meaningfully to national development.

“Our philosophy emphasizes practical learning, knowledge acquisition, skill development, and character formation. We aim to produce graduates who think critically, work productively, create value, and compete favourably in today’s knowledge-driven economy.

“In line with this commitment, we have expanded our academic frontiers. We are pleased to announce the accreditation of new National Diploma programs in Business Administration and Management, Accountancy, Statistics, Computer Engineering Technology, and Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology in Power Option at the Higher National Diploma level, approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

“These programs are tailored to meet current manpower needs, technological advancements, industry demands, and the growing need for competent middle-level professionals.

We are encouraged by the steady increase in student enrolment, which reflects public confidence in our institution, the relevance of our programs, and the dedication of our staff,” he said.

Agada stressed that the institution places equal emphasis on character development alongside academic excellence, warning students against activities that could derail their future.

“Avoid truancy, cultism, examination malpractice, drug abuse, violence, indecent conduct, and all forms of anti-social behaviour, which threaten your future and the institution’s peace,” the rector warned.

The rector expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  Minister of Education, and the Minister of State for Education for their support of technical and vocational education, as well as to other stakeholders whose support according to him has contributed to the institution’s growth.

The ceremony featured the administration of the matriculation oath, during which over 200 newly admitted students pledged to abide by the rules and regulations of the polytechnic.

Parents and guardians who attended the event expressed satisfaction with the institution’s progress and commended its management for its rapid development.

Also present at the auspicious event were dignitaries from the Academia including the Registrar of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), as well the UNN Director of Academic Planning who represented the Vice Chancellor of the University.

Others were some Honourable members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, the Clergy and Traditional Rulers.