FEPO Holds Maiden Matriculation, Matriculates 150 Students

Federal Polytechnic Orogun, FEPO, Delta State, on Saturday held her maiden matriculation, as 150 students matriculated for the 2023/2024 academic session.

Delivering his address during the well-attended event, Rector of the institution, Dr. Duke Okoro, said the event marked a significant milestone in the journey of the institution, saying the “journey has been fueled by determination, dedication, and a shared vision for excellence in education.”

Adding: “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.”

Dr. Okoro commended the institution’s Visitor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying his unwavering love for education and steadfast support has been instrumental in the smooth takeoff of the polytechnic, while also appreciating the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, “for generously granting the approval for the establishment of Federal Polytechnic Orogun in 2022,” adding: “Your magnanimity has paved the way for countless opportunities for the youth of our nation.”

The Rector also appreciated the former Deputy Senate President, Chief Ovie Obarisi Omo-Agege, who he said his tireless efforts in initiating the Bill for the establishment of the polytechnic at the National Assembly has 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,” the rector told the new students.

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.

“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,” he added.

Dr. Okoro, continued: “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.”

Meanwhile, he 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.”

He continued: “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. “

Furthermore, he warned that at FEPO, they have zero tolerance for malpractice and academic misconduct.

Speaking further, he promised that the present Management of FEPO under his Rectory is working tirelessly to position the institution as a world-class centre of Excellence.

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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.