The Rector, Federal Polytechnic Orogun (FEPO), Dr. Duke Okoro has charged tye students of the institution to make discipline their watchword and “embrace the values of integrity, perseverance, and innovation.”
Dr. Duke gave the charge on Saturday at the maiden matriculation ceremony of 150 students the Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State for the 2023/2024 National Diploma (ND).
He said the matriculation ceremony “marks a significant milestone in the journey of our institution, Federal Polytechnic Orogun (FEPO), Delta State. A journey that has been fueled by determination, dedication, and a shared vision for excellence in education.
“We, therefore, assure our students who are being matriculated today and their parents that they made a good decision by opting for FEPO in preference to others”
While congratulating the students on their successful admission into the school, Dr. Duke reminded them that their “presence here today is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence. You have embarked on a journey that will shape your future and open doors to countless opportunities.
“Permit me to advise, especially our new students that this period marks the beginning of a long, and fulfilling but challenging journey in their career development. As you step into this new chapter of your lives, therefore, 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.
“It is important to recognize that education is not solely confined to the walls of a classroom. It encompasses a holistic approach that extends beyond textbooks and lectures. Therefore, I encourage you to actively engage in extracurricular activities, participate in community service initiatives, and seize every opportunity to broaden your horizons.
“You must also resist the desire to take advantage of your newfound freedom on campus. I urge you all to stay focused and acquire as much knowledge and abilities as possible so that you can flourish in the extremely competitive and demanding employment market. 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. To excel in your chosen career, you must first develop the necessary character and talents.
“My dear students, remember that success is defined not by the problems you face, but by your ability to overcome them. Believe in yourself, keep focused on your goals, and never let go of your aspirations. Remember that the path to success may be fraught with challenges, but with drive and endurance, you can conquer any obstacle that comes your way.”
He maintained that: “In FEPO, we are committed to providing you with a conducive learning environment, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and led by a team of dedicated educators who are passionate about your success. Our goal is not only to impart knowledge but also to empower you to become leaders, innovators, and agents of positive change in your respective fields.
“At FEPO, we are driven by a clear vision: to be an institution grounded in cutting-edge digital literacy for vocational skills acquisition and character development. Our mission 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.
“FEPO is committed to providing a top-tier education that equips you for successful careers and fulfilling lives. We offer a dynamic and supportive learning environment that fosters your passions, hones your skills, and empowers you to achieve your goals.
“In our Polytechnic, we are dedicated to providing quality education that prepares students for successful careers and fulfilling lives. Our academic programmes are designed to meet the needs of today’s rapidly changing job market, grounded in real-world experience and hands-on learning, equipping our students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen fields.
Dr. Duke stressed that the student will have a great 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 expressing optimism that the school will get the approval of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) “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.
“We are 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. These programmes will be re-presented to NBTE for resource verification and approval in due course.
“In addition to our academic offerings, 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.
“We understand that a well-rounded educational experience extends beyond the classroom. To that end, we have established a robust Directorate of Research and Innovations to foster a culture of exploration and discovery.
“The Deanery of Student Affairs is dedicated to the well-being of our students, providing support services to ensure a smooth and enriching experience at FEPO. Our Directorate of ICT is equipped with cutting-edge technology, connecting all of us to a world of information and opportunity. The Directorate of Entrepreneurship Development and Skills Acquisition Centre empowers our students with the tools and knowledge to become future business leaders. The Directorate of Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme bridges the gap between theory and practice, ensuring our students gain valuable real-world experience.
“We are committed to providing a dynamic and supportive learning environment that encourages our students to pursue their passions, develop their skills, and achieve their goals.
“I am immensely proud of our exceptional teaching and non-teaching staff, and students who make FEPO such a vibrant and engaging place to learn. Our teaching staff are experts in their fields, dedicated to providing our students with a rigorous and relevant education that prepares them for success in the workplace. Our dedicated staff is committed to providing excellent service and support, ensuring our students navigate school life with ease.”
The Rector also expressed their “sincere gratitude to the Visitor of our institution, the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Your unwavering love for education and steadfast support have been instrumental in the smooth takeoff of our polytechnic. We are truly grateful for your visionary leadership.
“I would also like to express our immense gratitude and deepest appreciation to the immediate past President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, for generously granting the approval for the establishment of Federal Polytechnic Orogun in 2022. Your magnanimity has paved the way for countless opportunities for the youth of our nation.
“Special recognition and our deepest appreciation is also due to the former Deputy Senate President, Chief Ovie Obarisi Omo-Agege, whose tireless efforts in initiating the Bill for the establishment of our polytechnic at the National Assembly have turned a dream into today’s reality. We honour his commitment to education and nation-building.
“Furthermore, I extend our gratitude to our esteemed 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). Your collaboration and support have been invaluable in laying the foundation for our success.
He also thanked “all the staff, teaching and non-teaching, and other critical stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to make this day possible. To our esteemed guests, thank you for gracing us with your presence and for your unwavering support. And to our dear students, Congratulations once again, and may your journey at Federal Polytechnic Orogun be filled with success, fulfilment, memorable experiences, transformative learning, and boundless opportunities in your lifelong academic pursuit and journey pursuits.”
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 the 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; 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.
