…Says Management wont compromise standard
…Commend AKSG, TEDFUND for infrastructural development in Institution
The Rector, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Ekpene, Dr Moses Umobong has urges matriculating students of the Institution to take their studies serious so as to graduate in flying colours at the end of their studentship.
The Rector who stated this while delivering his keynote address at the Polytechnic’s 26th Matriculation ceremony held at the schools pavilion said, only by being focused, dedicated to studies and strict discipline to their acdemic endeavour can they attain academic excellence and success.
He thanked God that despite after months of postponement of the 26th matriculation ceremony due to the ravaging impact of Covid-19 pandemic, the event took place at last and congratulated all the matriculants screened and found qualified for admission into the various programmes of studies in Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic.
Dr Umobong remarked that the matriculants admissions coincided with the period of COVID-I9 pandemic in Nigeria as the pandemic has brought a new approach to learning in academic activities in all academic institutions in Nigeria. He assured that the institution has made adequate arrangements towards providing necessary facilities and conducive environment for learning and security of lives of the staff and students.
“This institution established during Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga’s Administration in the State, has continued to grow progressively. I am indeed excited to welcome the esteemed Visitor to this great institution, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, to this ceremony and thank him for being a Pillar of Progress to this institution. Akwa Ibom State Government under the able leadership of the Governor has always and promptly paid our staff salaries and other emoluments without fail. This gesture has, therefore, motivated our staff both teaching and non-teaching, to put in their best towards making the Polytechnic and its graduands top notch in the comity of Polytechnics in Nigeria”, he stated.
He noted with delight that His Excellency’s support for the institution is enormous as the Governor is the backbone of the glaring new infrastructure of the Polytechnic and announced the long completed and ready for commissioning brand new Woodworks facility with first class machinery which he noted is able to undertake a wide range of wood products manufacturing. “This facility is second to none in Nigeria and intended to give hands-on-training to our students while undertaking customer’s production briefs”, he submitted.
According to the Rector, the high level, second to none, computerization process in the institution is also traceable to to His Excellency’s support as the accreditation equipment, second and third floor classroom and staff office blocks under construction are all appreciable efforts of the Governor, thus expressing the profound gratitude of the Governing Council, Management, Staff, Students and the entire Polytechnic Community to His Excellency for his interest and support to the institution.
He welcomed the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, the Permanent Secretary, Lady. Rose Bassey and other Directors of the Ministry, to this occasion as well as the Chairman of the Governing Council, Barr. Ekpenyong Ntekim to the ceremony, noting that their wealth of experience and guidance have helped this institution to rise above impediments and attain greater height.
Dr Umobong commended and appreciate the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund) go its continuous assistance to the institution with some needed infrastructural facilities, soliciting for more of such assistance so that the Institution can attain it’s goal of becoming Nigeria’s best Polytechnic soonest.
He wanted the matriculating students that the authorities of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic frown at any form of cult activity and have, accordingly, put in place measures to check same in any form or appearance. To this end, Dr Umobong admonished that the existing policy of the institution is zero tolerance for cultism as Students are, therefore, advised to shun bad associations and indecent dressing which constitute recipe for cultism and other negative vices.
He observed that the Polytechnic is currently working in collaboration with some anti-corruption and related offences commissions in the country so as to get rid of what is popularly called “sorting” which usually involve staff and students. To this end, he advised students to be weary of all circumstances or overtures to pay for underserved mark(s) and/or grade(s), as doing so will render any student culpable and liable for punishment alongside the collaborators.
He announced that Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic has an ultra-modern e-library sponsored by TETFUND as current and relevant textbooks in all programmes have been acquired and students are encouraged to make use of the new e-Library for their studies and research work, reminding students that payment of prescribed school fee and departmental dues is a condition for becoming a registered student as admission is generally provisional until the admitted student has paid all his or her prescribed school fees, departmental dues including satisfying departmental requirements.
“Those who have not paid school fees are not our registered students. Students are advised to pay their fees to institution’s designated accounts only” he warned.
The Rector states that the Polytechnic has a good number of befitting, secured and affordable hostel accommodations for interested students of the institution, and admonished Parents to get their wards into hostels for safety and conducive learning.
He observed that the institution has a reasonable number of computers and other related accessories as Management has concluded plans to deploy such equipment in the conduct of computer based examinations as applicable to general courses, for a start.
“We implore the matriculating students to sit up and be serious with their studies, so that they can succeed here for a better future. I hope you would heed these admonitions and take your studies seriously so as to fulfill your academic pursuits and also make your parents or guardians proud”, he submitted.
In a related development, the Akwa Ibom State Government has called on newly admitted Students of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, to abhor all forms of hooliganism, cultism, examination malpratice and disobedience to constituted authority.
The Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet gave the warning yesterday, during the 26th matriculation Ceremony of the state owned institution, held at the Polytechnic matriculation ground, Ikot Osurua.
Reiterating the state Government’s zero tolerance for cultism, sexual harassment and other social vices, the Education Boss admonished the matriculants to sustain the good name which the institution has carved out for itself, over the years.
She congratulated the matriculants and charged them to strictly adhere to the Students’ orientation exercise designed to acquaint every new student with the norms, values and tradition of the college.
Speaking further, she called for support and partnership to enable the State Government actualize her vision for the Education sub sector.
“Our Education-loving Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has left no stone unturned towards transforming the Education sector for effectiveness and efficiency. We need to support his lofty goals by partnering with His Excellency to achieve academic success. I call on all of us here present, to join hands together to raise the bar on Education.” she added.
Etiebet However, commended the Governing Council of the Polytechnic, as well as the Teaching and non-teaching staff for their unwavering efforts in grooming and nurturing the students to succeed in their respective fields of study even as she pledged the state Government’s continuos support for the institution.
