The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Mrs. Eduma Essien, has urged matriculating students to avoid engaging in social vices that could hinder their academic success. During the institution’s 10th matriculation ceremony at the Science Laboratory Technology Arena on Saturday, she advised students to steer clear of behaviors such as cultism, examination malpractice, indecent dressing, drug abuse, and alcohol consumption.
Essien congratulated the new students for gaining admission and emphasized the importance of taking their studies seriously. She encouraged them to uphold good conduct, saying, “Shun all vices that will hinder your academic pursuits.”
Addressing some of the challenges facing the institution, Essien highlighted the steps taken since her appointment to tackle these issues. She noted that both academic and non-academic activities were running smoothly, with a reconstituted academic board bringing fresh ideas. Additionally, plans are underway to establish a skills acquisition center to produce tissue paper and furniture, which will help generate internal revenue for the school.
Essien also shared that the Polytechnic had recently received the completed Entrepreneurship Centre, which had been abandoned for years, and new books for the libraries at both the main and annex campuses. Regarding accreditation, she announced that the Polytechnic had requested full accreditation for several programs, including Accountancy, Business Administration, Civil Engineering Technology, and Electronic and Electrical Engineering, as well as for new programs like HND Statistics, HND Computer Network and Cloud Computing, and HND Software and Web Development.
Despite the challenges, the Rector called for support from the federal government, intervention agencies, and the Akwa Ibom State government. She also urged security agencies and the host community to ensure the safety and security of lives and property at the Polytechnic.