The Alumni Association of the Federal Polytechnic Oko, in Anambra State, has organised the first edition of Retired General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida’s (IBB) annual public lecture series. They emphasised the pivotal role of the former Nigerian president in the Polytechnic and also had the alumni annual award and institution.
The National President of the Association, Nze Henry Chukwuka Nnebe in his welcome address, said that the world gets complicated with every passing day, reason there is a need to stay connected using the alumni. He stressed that with the alumni association, the students of the institution can stay connected to friends and the vast resources still available within the institution. He however challenged members of the alumni on ways they can give back to the institution that made them what they are today.
“At the same time, I would challenge you to think of ways you can give back to the Polytechnic to whatever degree you are comfortable. And I do not mean just monetarily, though that is, of course, always welcome.”
On the public lecture, Nnebe said, “The series shall have different topics yearly and will be organised by the General Babangida Annual Lecture Committee as approved by the National Executive Council and supervised by the president in conjunction with the management of the Federal Polytechnic Oko, ministry of education and other relevant bodies.
“On the choice of honourary, General Ibrahim Babangida, there is gain saying that his role in upgrading of the institution in 1993 to a Federal Polytechnic became a catalyst for better funding and integration of what the school enjoying today.”
The alumni president equally urged the Rector of the Polytechnic to urgently hold convocation in the institution known as The Polytechnic of the Moment,” before she retires from service.
“Engineer Francisca Unoma Nwafulugo, an enigma is winding up her stay and we will give her appellation according to her stewardship. Yearly, she has for the past four years plus matriculated students but her administration has not been able to do convocation.
“The Alumni hope you will not renege on your promise during the family shower programme organised for her in 2019 to integrate her into the Polytechnic community to hold a convocation. Suffice to remind our digital mummy that certificate fees were increased occasioned by the paucity of funds thereafter.”
Speaking earlier, the former Rector of the institution and current Vice-Chancellor of Tansian University, Professor Eugene Nwadialor, went down memory lane to recount how the institution was established and the role the Late Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife and the then President, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida played in seeing to the reality of the vision of having an institution called Federal Polythenic Oko today.
While presenting the paper titled“Federal Polytechnic Oko and the Pivotal Role of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, IBB, he said, “It’s therefore imperative that when you are in a position of authority, let your policies and programmes not be driven by tribe, culture, religion or even ethnicity, but by purpose, value, and people. Wherever you are operating from, let the interest of the people be the driving force”, he said.
Recall that the institution was converted to its present status as a federal polytechnic by the administration of General Babangida in 1993.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Ezenwafor who is the Head of the Department and a principal lecturer in the department of Accountancy, Federal Polytechnic Oko, while speaking to journalists at the event, lauded the efforts of the alumni and equally urged the Rector to do the needful.
He was joyful over the awards presented to him and said it has spurred him to work harder. He appreciated students, staff and the alumni of the institution for the triple honour bestowed on him.
Dr Emmanuel Ezenwafor bagged three awards including the award of the Most Distinguished Lecturer of the Year in Oko Polytechnic. He also got the award as the Polytechnic Ambassador and Outstanding Lecturer in the Accountancy department.
On her part, the Rector of the institution, Engr. Dr. Francisca Unoma Nwafulugo, who was represented by the bursar, Mr. Stephen Udu, in her address, stated that her administration has worked tirelessly since 2019 to improve the polytechnic. She stated that her administration ensured the re-accreditation of over 62 programmes by the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE. The Rector said that the polytechnic has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the private sector including Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing for training programmes. Briefing journalists at the event, Udu disclosed that the Rector is strongly planning a convocation before her retirement.
The chairman of General Babangida’s annual public lecture series, Sir, Izuchukwu Nwabueze who was honoured with the Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Ambassador Award, promised a better package come next year. He appreciated the Alumni National Executive Council, members of the committee, students and guests who despite the harsh economy, graced the occasion.
Dominica Nwabufo
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