November 02, (THEWILL) — The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Eduma Enobong Essien, has declared that the institution has redefined polytechnic education by producing graduates equipped with both academic certificates and practical skills relevant to the 21st-century workforce.
Speaking as a guest on the Close-Up Show on Redemption FM 101.5, Abak, at the weekend, Mrs Essien said her administration is firmly focused on building a world-class institution that prioritises competence, discipline, and innovation.
“Our students will graduate with a dual advantage: academic certification and practical skills. Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, does not train for certificates alone; we train for competence, for purpose, and for global relevance”, she stated.
She revealed that the Polytechnic has secured full approval from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to issue globally recognised certifications to artisans who complete the school’s skill-acquisition programmes; a milestone that places the institution among Nigeria’s leading hubs for vocational and entrepreneurial training.
Highlighting her achievements since assuming office, the Rector disclosed that 19 academic programmes were successfully accredited within her first three months in office, attributing the feat to teamwork, staff dedication, and the strong foundation laid by her predecessor.
“The swift accreditation of 19 programmes within three months was no magic. It was the result of collective effort and visionary leadership that the institution has consistently enjoyed”, she added.
Essien praised the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for sponsoring staff training and development, noting that human capacity building remains the cornerstone of institutional excellence.
She also disclosed that the Polytechnic’s official journal has now attained international visibility, with research papers featured on Google Scholar, a development that enhances the school’s reputation in the global academic community.
Reaffirming her administration’s vision, the Rector stated, “I aspire to propel Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, to the pinnacle of excellence, ensuring it ranks among the top three premier Polytechnics in Nigeria.”
Mrs Essien also renewed calls for the abolition of the dichotomy between HND and BSc holders, describing it as an obsolete and unfair system that stifles technical education and demotivates skilled graduates.
“The curriculum that produces a university graduate is not different from that which produces a polytechnic graduate. The dichotomy should be abolished to promote fairness and equity.”
On discipline, the Rector maintained that Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, operates a zero-tolerance policy for cultism, bribery, and academic corruption, warning that any staff or student found guilty of grade trading or unethical conduct would face immediate sanctions.
