We’re Committed To Providing Quality Education – Rector As FEPO Matriculates 150 Students In Maiden Event

By Onotakaroma Oghenevwede

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Orogun (FEPO) in Delta State, Dr Duke Okoro, on Saturday , said that the institution is committed to providing quality education that prepares students for successful careers and fulfilling lives, with a focus on digital literacy, vocational skills acquisition, and character development.

Dr Okoro stated this during the maiden matriculation ceremony of the institution, which saw the oath taking of 150 pioneer students into the 2023/2024 academic session of the polytechnic’s National Diploma (ND) programs.

In his welcome address, Dr Okoro expressed delight over the significant milestone in the journey of the institution, saying that it has been a journey fueled by determination, dedication, and a shared vision for excellence in education.

“As we gather here on this auspicious occasion, It is with immense pride and joy that I stand before you as the Rector of this emerging great institution, to celebrate our maiden matriculation ceremony”, he enthused.

Dr. Okoro however, commended the institution’s Visitor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering love for education and steadfast support that has been instrumental in the smooth takeoff of the polytechnic.

He also thanked the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari for generously granting the approval for the establishment of Federal Polytechnic Orogun in 2022, saying “Your magnanimity has paved the way for countless opportunities for the youth of our nation.”

Continuing, Dr Okoro eulogised the former Deputy President of the Senate, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, (Eqs.), for his commitment to education and nation-building, maintaining that his tireless efforts in initiating the Bill for the establishment of our polytechnic at the National Assembly have turned a dream into today’s reality.

Furthermore, he extended his gratitude to FEPO’s strategic partners including the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), the Tertiary Education Fund (TETFund), the Federal Ministry of Education, and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP).

Dr. Okoro assured the matriculating students and their parents that they made a good decision by opting for FEPO in preference to others.

“As you step into this new chapter of your lives, you must take full advantage of the practical and industry-based skills that our highly experienced and skilled lecturers will be imparting to you from now henceforth. I also encourage you to embrace the values of integrity, perseverance, and innovation. Let this institution be not just 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”.

He noted that education is not solely confined to the walls of a classroom, while urging the pioneer students to resist the desire to take advantage of their newfound freedom on campus.

“Remember that our society is transitioning to a knowledge-based economy rather than a certificate-based economy, which leaves no room for indolence, laziness, lack of creativity, or dishonesty among graduates,” he opined.

According to him, FEPO is driven by a clear vision: to be an institution grounded in cutting-edge digital literacy for vocational skills acquisition and character development.

The institution’s mission, according to him, “is to provide digital literacy skills and entrepreneurial education and training to promote self-reliance for societal development. Guided by the core values of academic excellence, creativity & innovation, discipline, integrity and honesty, equity and social justice, leadership & mentorship, and meritocracy, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of academic and ethical excellence,” he added.

He also disclosed that only three programs have been approved by NBTE, which include department of business administration and management, Statistics, and Accounting, expressing optimism, ” we believe these three department will serve as a solid foundation for others to follow”

Continuing, Dr. Okoro, said: “We anticipate a future with a wide variety of academic programmes spread among three schools: the School of Business Studies, the School of Applied Sciences, and the School of Engineering. While we await NBTE’s approval for the other nine programmes, we are excited to begin our academic programmes with the three already approved; Departments of Business Administration and Management, Statistics, and Accounting. We are convinced that these programmes will serve as a solid basis for our pioneering students’ academic journeys.”

He further disclosed that they were “actively pursuing approval from NBTE for additional programmes in Computer Science, Marketing, Mass Communication, Science Laboratory Technology, Library and Information Science, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and Civil Engineering,” just as he said that “these programmes will be re-presented to NBTE for resource verification and approval in due course.”

In addition to our academic offerings, he said, “we have established several directorates and centres to support our students’ holistic development. These include the Directorate of Research and Innovation, the Deanery of Student Affairs, the Directorate of ICT, the Directorate of Entrepreneurship Development and Skills Acquisition Centre, and the Directorate of Students Industrial Work Experience. “

Dr. Okoro encouraged the matriculating students to take full advantage of the practical and industry-based skills that the polytechnic offers, and to embrace the values of integrity, perseverance, and innovation. He also assured them that the polytechnic is committed to providing a conducive learning environment, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and led by a team of dedicated educators who are passionate about their success.

Highpoint of the ceremony was the administration of the matriculation oath on the students by the Registrar, Mrs. Christine Aluyi.

Some of the dignitaries present at the occasion include, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori represented by the Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari; Vice Chancellor, Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Andy Egwunyenga represented by the Provost, DELSU, Oleh Campus, Prof. Elo Ibaghere and Vice Chancellor, Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, Prof. J.S Oboreh represented by the University Librarian, Associate Prof. Ogochukwu Emiri.

Others are, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen represented by the Member representing Surulere 1 Federal Constituency, Lagos State and Chairman, House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda; Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman represented by Muhammed Yushau; Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education, Prof. Idris Bagaje represented by the South South Zonal Director, Cyril Mbong.