Federal Polytechnic Orogun in Orogun, Delta State, Nigeria has formally admitted 637 students into its National Diploma programmes for the 2025/2026 academic session, with the Rector, Duke Okoro, urging the new entrants to uphold discipline, integrity and innovation while avoiding cultism, examination malpractice and other social vices.
The charge was delivered during the institution’s third matriculation ceremony held at the Sen. Remi Tinubu Lecture Theatre.
Okoro, who was unavoidably absent due to official engagements, was represented at the ceremony by the Deputy Rector, Efetobor O. Elijah, who presided over the event and presented the Rector’s address before a large audience of students, parents, staff and invited dignitaries.
In his message, the Rector described the matriculation ceremony as a significant milestone in the institution’s steady growth within Nigeria’s technical and vocational education sector.
“Today is not just another ceremony. Today, history breathes again. It is a celebration of ambition realized, dedication acknowledged, and the growing impact of Federal Polytechnic Orogun in Nigeria’s technical and vocational education landscape,” Okoro said.
According to him, the 637 newly admitted students comprise 501 full-time and 137 part-time students drawn from different parts of the country.
He noted that the increasing enrolment reflects the growing confidence of Nigerians in the institution’s academic direction and leadership.
“This growing enrolment reflects the increasing confidence that parents, guardians and students across Nigeria have in the academic direction of Federal Polytechnic Orogun. It is also a testimony to the steady progress the institution has made within a very short period of its establishment,” he stated.
The Rector also highlighted the rapid academic expansion of the institution, revealing that the Polytechnic has grown from three academic programmes at its inception to 19 programmes approved by the National Board for Technical Education across four schools.
He said the management deliberately positioned the Polytechnic as a forward-looking institution focused on digital literacy, entrepreneurship and industry-relevant skills.
“When we assumed leadership, we made a clear decision that Federal Polytechnic Orogun would not merely exist. We would distinguish ourselves through deliberate planning, strategic execution and measurable outcomes,” he said.
“In three years, we have transformed the Polytechnic from a promising new establishment into a trailblazer of vocational and technical education.”
Okoro also stressed that the institution places equal emphasis on character development alongside academic excellence, warning students against activities that could derail their future.
“Education at FEPO is not just about acquiring a certificate; it is about developing skills, character and entrepreneurial capacity. Your certificate may open doors, but your character will determine whether those doors remain open,” he said.
He cautioned the students against cultism, examination malpractice, cybercrime and other forms of misconduct, stressing that the institution maintains a zero-tolerance policy for actions that undermine academic integrity.
“Cultism promises protection but delivers destruction. It promises brotherhood but breeds bondage. True courage is the ability to walk away from anything that threatens your future,” he warned.
The Rector also expressed appreciation to stakeholders whose support has contributed to the institution’s growth, particularly the founder and former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, whose legislative intervention led to the establishment of the Polytechnic.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Industrial Training Fund, the NBTE and other development partners, noting that their collaboration has accelerated the institution’s development.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Polytechnic Registrar, Christine Aluyi, described matriculation as the students’ formal entry into academic responsibility and urged them to familiarise themselves with the institution’s regulations.
“Matriculation marks your formal entry into the academic community. From today, you are bound by the rules, traditions and ethical standards of this institution. Discipline, integrity and commitment to learning must guide your actions throughout your stay here,” she said.
Also speaking, the Polytechnic Librarian, Achugbue I. Edwin, encouraged the students to cultivate strong reading habits and make full use of the institution’s library resources to enhance their academic performance.
“The library is the heartbeat of scholarship in any academic institution. Students who make effective use of library resources invariably distinguish themselves academically,” he said.
“Beyond the classroom, the culture of reading, research and intellectual curiosity will shape your ability to innovate and solve problems in society.”
Edwin added that the institution is strengthening access to information resources and digital learning platforms to support modern academic engagement.
The ceremony featured the administration of the matriculation oath, during which the newly admitted students pledged to abide by the rules and regulations of the Polytechnic.
Parents and guardians who attended the event expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the institution and commended its management for the rapid development and growing reputation of the Polytechnic.
Adding excitement to the ceremony, the newly admitted students were challenged to sing the institution’s anthem. The contest was won by Collins Akpovwowo of the Civil Engineering Department, who impressed the audience with a confident rendition of the anthem and received a cash prize of ₦70,000.
With the successful induction of the new students, Federal Polytechnic Orogun continues to position itself as a fast-rising hub for technical education, digital skills and entrepreneurial development in Nigeria.
