By Uzo Ugwunze
The Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra state has restated its commitment to instilling discipline and order among staff and students of the institution.
Chairman of the Council, Sen. Dr Barnabas Gemade gave the assurance during an interactive session between Governing Council of the institution and the Polytechnic Community.
He warned against cases of gossips and rumour mongering peddled by certain staff of the Polytechnic, saying such vices would no longer be tolerated in the institution.
He said, “We discover people are quick to say something about someone which most times are untrue and hardly weighed. Our ears are full but out actions are slow.
“Because the Council is made up of men and women of great experience who don’t jump into speculations, any garbage that enters our ears will be received with condemnation.
“I like to warn those quick in gossiping that there’s no room for that anymore. If you have anything against anyone, be rest assured that you’ll be invited together with the person to repeat same before him/her.
He added, “In this Council we have a policy, which is hinged on only one word – discipline. I’m happy to say that after about 8months, the reports I’m getting is that discipline has returned to Oko. Things are now happening correctly.
“Part of our duties as a Council is general supervision of the Polytechnic affairs, with quarterly meetings to deal with issues, including budget approvals, conflict resolutions, among others. We’ll also attempt to build renewed harmony among staff and students.
“We’ll be governed by documents and extant laws of the institution and not by the whims and caprices of our minds. We’ll be taking cue directly from the Polytechnic Acts, including Public Procurement, Fiscal Responsibility Acts, Public Service Rules and Financial Regulations of federal government.
“I’m happy to say that we’ve been strictly abiding by the laws. We’ll be carrying out pending issues on our tables, including appointments, regularization, discipline and that will commence immediately.
“More importantly, we promised to produce an internally developed, manufactured Rector. I’m happy that we kept to the promise and her appointment received overwhelming applause from the Polytechnic community and our efforts are yielding results.
“Going forward, we promise to continue in that direction. We’ll ensure teaching activities become stronger, while needed facilities will be available and of better quality amidst economic hardship.
“Connectivity of activities of our four campuses remains a challenge. We will ensure activities in Ufuma campus is stepped up and becomes more vibrant and active.
While restating the Council’s preparedness to attract additional funding for improved and efficient operations in the institution, Gemade, who doubles as Chairman of Governing Council of all Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria urged the management to take advantage of the funds to better the lots of the Polytechnic.
He highlighted N100billion federal government funds for agricultural training and production as well as improvement of electricity and alternative power supply being managed by Education Ministry and Rural Electrification Agency for federal government institutions, respectively.
“We’ll approach Federal Ministry of Education to see that whatever available interventions in areas of technical training and support comes to Oko as quickly as possible.
“We’ll remain resolute in completing our assignments within our tenure. We’ll ensure sustenance and conclusion of our promises, including making substantive all staff in acting capacities.
“Meanwhile, we’re yet to commence work in area of disciplinary actions. But we’ve charged our audit committee to look into affairs of budget office and bursary.
“Those concerned should go and tidy their books because we’ll not hesitate to discipline any individual or group found wanting in these areas,” he warned.
On her part, Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Chioma Awuzie reiterated her administration’s commitment to academic excellence and creating conducive environment for skills empowerment necessary for excellence.
She said the interactive section was targeted at fostering and strengthening bond between management, staff and students, calling for constructive engagement and ideas sharing to move the institution forward.
She assured that victimization and witch-hunting would be history in the institution as she would ensure square pegs were not put in round holes.
Appreciating Gemade-led Governing Council, Federal Ministry of Education and President Bola Tinubu for making perfect choice in her, Awuzie promised to abide by the Polytechnic Acts while delivering on her mandate.
She said, “I want to thank Mr President for believing in merit, fairness, transparency and equity. I thank you for the fear of God in you to stand by the truth. I promise not to disappoint you. My administration will ensure the round pegs for the round holes.
“Victimization and witch-hunting will be a thing of the past in this institution. We’ll be guided by the Polytechnic acts and rules. This school will once again be an example and one of the best in the world.”
Awuzie highlighted some of the projects she had flagged off including, farms where poultry, piggery, fowls, fish and others would be reared, commercializing School of Fine and Applied arts, Entrepreneurship Center, bakery, bottle water company and Printing press.
“We’ve flagged off foundation laying of security post. These are just tip of the ice berg. I’ve come to work to deliver my mandate.
President of Students Union Government, Comrade Odumegwu Emmanuel acknowledged the immediate impact of the new Rector, including addressing administrative and academic challenges which he described as signs of hope of better things to come.
He urged her remain steadfast in her quest to reposition the institution for greater performance.
He however identified myriad of challenges facing the Polytechnic, namely extortion during clearance, non-functional Medical Center, manpower shortage, it unhealthy learning environment, high cost of textbooks, among others.