The head of the National Board for Technical Education, Prof. Mohammad Idris, has advised the leadership of federal polytechnics to maintain honesty and avoid illegal activities, such as enrolling too many students.
Idris, represented by Cyril Mbong, the Zonal Director of the South-South Zonal office of the board, delivered this message on Saturday during the first matriculation ceremony at the Federal Polytechnic, Orogun in the Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
While encouraging the institution’s management to create a supportive environment that promotes students' natural talents, the NBTE Executive Secretary described the matriculation as a significant achievement in the institution's history.
At least 150 students were admitted to NBTE-approved National Diploma programs in the Departments of Business Administration and Management, Statistics, and Accounting.
In his address, the Rector of FEPO, Dr. Duke Okoro, advised the 150 pioneer students to embrace integrity, perseverance, and innovation in their academic endeavors at the polytechnic.
He encouraged them to make the most of the practical and industry-based skills that their lecturers would impart.
The rector stressed that the institution should not only be a place of learning, but also serve as a platform for growth, exploration, and self-discovery.
Here, students will not only gain knowledge but also develop skills, nurture talents, and build lifelong friendships.
Education involves a comprehensive approach that goes beyond textbooks and lectures. Therefore, the students were encouraged to actively participate in extracurricular activities.
The rector also advised the students to engage in community service initiatives and seize every opportunity to broaden their horizons.
Okoro emphasized that the institution had zero tolerance for exam misconduct and other academic wrongdoings, and urged the students to uphold the highest standards of honesty and ethical behavior.
He also reminded them that society was moving to a knowledge-based economy rather than one based on certificates, which does not accommodate laziness, and expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support in the establishment of the polytechnic.
He also expressed appreciation to former President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the establishment of the Polytechnic in 2022, as well as former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, for his efforts in initiating the Bill for the establishment of the polytechnic at the National Assembly.
