The Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education, Prof. Mohammad Idris, has urged the management of federal polytechnics in the country to uphold the values of integrity and shun all acts of illegalities, including over-enrollment of students.
Idris, represented by the Zonal Director, South-South Zonal
office of the board, Cyril Mbong, gave the charge on Saturday at the maiden
matriculation of the Federal Polytechnic, Orogun in the Ughelli North Local
Government Area of Delta State.
While urging the institution’s management to create an
enabling environment that would encourage students to exhibit their latent
gifts, the NBTE Executive Secretary described the matriculation as “a great
milestone in the history of the institution.”
No fewer than 150 students were matriculated to
NBTE-approved National Diploma programmes in the Departments of Business
Administration and Management, Statistics, and Accounting.
Speaking earlier, the Rector of FEPO, Dr. Duke Okoro, while
admitting the matriculation oaths on the 150 pioneer students, advised them to
“embrace the values of integrity, perseverance and innovation in the course of
their academic pursuits in the polytechnic.”
He urged them to take full advantage of the practical and
industry-based skills which the lecturers would impart to them.
The rector said, “Let this institution not just be 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.”
The rector also advised the students to “participate in
community service initiatives, and seize every opportunity to broaden” their
horizons.
Okoro noted that the institution had zero tolerance for
examination malpractice and other academic misconducts, and urged the students
to uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical behaviour.
He also reminded them that the society was transitioning to
a knowledge-based economy rather than a certificate-based economy which does
not give room for indolence, while using the opportunity to express gratitude
of the management to the Visitor of the institution, President Bola Tinubu, for
his “unwavering love for education and steadfast support instrumental in the
smooth takeoff of our polytechnic.”
Also, he expressed appreciation to former President
Muhammadu Buhari “who granted the approval for the establishment of the
Polytechnic in 2022,” as well as the former Deputy President of the Senate,
Senator Ovie 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.”