The Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie has delivered her inaugural address to the Polytechnic Community in which she unveiled the 12 key point agenda which will form the fulcrum of her administration. The Rector who described Federal Polytechnic Oko as a beacon of technological advancement, research and vocational education in Nigeria pledged to strengthen the polytechnic’s academic curricular, embrace digital transformation and ensure that students graduate with practical skills that will make them competitive in the global job market.
Dr. Awuzie furthermore, promised to invest in continuous professional development of staff, equipping them with the latest skills and knowledge to deliver high quality education and services. She made commitment to boost staff welfare. “Our administration will work diligently to enhance staff welfare including timely promotions, improved working conditions and comprehensive welfare packages” Also to be vigorously pursued is the introduction of new and innovative programmes that will align with global trends and local industry needs to foster a culture of academic excellence and relevance.
The Rector who heightened the hope of students in her address, promised to create a conducive learning environment that addresses the physical,emotional and intellectual needs of students while providing opportunities for growth beyond the classroom. “We will enhance student support services, improve hostel facilities and provide platforms for meaningful engagement, mentorship and leadership development”.
She further urged students to take their studies seriously, maintain discipline and uphold the values of hard work and integrity as she expressed her resolve to raise the bar of ethical standard among staff and students and foster an environment of respect, responsibility and integrity. “We are committed to instilling discipline, respect and ethical standards”.
She also stated that her administration will “uphold the highest standards of academic integrity by enforcing strict measures against malpractice and fostering a culture of ethical scholarship. In line with this, lecturers will be made to effectively teach and deliver their course content(s) before administering examinations. Consequently, examination questions shall be derived strictly from delivered lecture contents and moderated accordingly.
To be implemented is strategic public relations initiative to showcase the achievements of staff and students. In addition to this is projecting the quality of education and services offered by the polytechnic. The new administration is to boost the security of Federal Polytechnic Oko by leveraging modern technology and fostering strong community partnerships to ensure that the polytechnic remains a safe environment for teaching, learning, research and growth. The substantive Rector further stated “We will focus on infrastructural expansion and modernization in the Polytechnic to create a desirable and conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning.
The imperative of environmental sustainability and effective management was buttressed “Our administration will prioritize maintaining a clean, safe and healthy campus environment by clearing overgrown bushes, ensuring regular fumigation, constructing modern lavatories and strategically installing waste bins. All these are transformative visions encapsulated in a 12 point agenda which the Rector said will serve as a strategic roadmap for repositioning the institution as a hub for technological creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and global competitiveness. They are pillars that represent the strategic priorities which the new administration will pursue to drive the polytechnic forward. The 12 point agenda include: Human Resource Development, staff Welfare, Academic Reinvention and Programme Development, Students Welfare, Discipline, Anti-Cultism, Academic Integrity, Relationship with Stakeholders, Public Relations and Image Management, Security, Financial Transparency, and Infrastructural Development.
In their respective speeches, leaders of staff unions on campus pledged to support the new Rector to realize her lofty visions for the polytechnic.
Many dignitaries graced the event including traditional rulers, politicians, religious leaders and captains of industries. Management, staff and students of Federal Polytechnic Oko turned out en-masse at the event.
