The Acting Rector Dr. Uche Onyegbu has charged matriculating students to develop their skills and learn new ones as that is the path way to self-reliance and economic freedom. “It is also important to note that as a TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) Institution, it expected that the education and training you will acquire here will enable you to become self-reliant, productive and independent. Polytechnic education, incidentally is skewed to encourage high productivity through skill acquisition and development. So develop your skills and learn new ones with the aim of sustaining yourself financially as a student and after you graduated “.
Speaking at the 40th matriculating ceremony of our polytechnic, the Ag.Rector congratulated the new students for choosing Federal Polytechnic Oko which is an “Institution with a rich academic heritage. It is an Institution where utmost attention is paid to high quality education and high standard of learning.” He further urged the new students to shun all forms of vices and focus on the main reason they were given admission, which is to acquire education. “The main reason you are here is to acquire education, therefore make it your utmost priority. Avoid frivolities. You must also shun all forms of vices namely cultism, examination malpractice, extortion, hooliganism etc. We have zero tolerance for these profane acts and indulging in them attract severe penalties including expulsion.”
He admonished the students to be of good character and maintain high moral standard. “You must note however, that in as much we are desirous of your academic excellence, we also expect good morals and character from you. Here, we have a dress code that extols decency. We are strongly against any form of indecent dressing and behavior. Decency and good conduct are part of our culture and we do not compromise on that”
He also spoke against extortion by lecturers and encouraged students to resist all forms of extortion. “May I passionately appeal to you to resist extortion by lecturers or even students under any guise. Report any such case to the Management. The Management has come out with a dedicated phone line that will be for cases of extortion. This is in demonstration of our resolve to stamp out this dangerous practice. We are sounding a note of warning to all staff that this administration does not condone exploitation under any guise. Do not allow yourself to be used to set example.”
He assured the students of an enabling and conducive environment that will enable them to succeed. The Ag.Rector went further to guarantee the matriculating students that the Management is committed to promoting and sustaining quality learning in the Institution and pledged to renew accreditation of programmes whose accreditation will soon expire. He then charged the students to abide by the rules and regulation.