In a bid to expand institutional frontiers, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Engr. Dr. Michael Arimanwa, FNSE, JP, has given hint about a second campus for the pace-setting institution. The Rector made this disclosure last Friday at the Council Chambers of the polytechnic when staff of the Rectory Division organized a light ceremony to commemorate his birthday.
According to the polytechnic boss, “My administration is working hard to get a second campus for the polytechnic in view of the limited space for agricultural demonstration and other academic practical activities. The campus will be located at Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta. Essentially, we shall site our agricultural farm lands, demonstration centres and skill acquisition centre there. The entrepreneurial centre is envisioned to train and certify people with low qualifications so that they would be skilled and useful to the society in the areas of brick laying, welding and so on.
“People coming for this type of programme do not necessarily need credit passes in English and Mathematics or other core courses. Already, a directorate of skill acquisition has been inaugurated and very soon we shall have students whom we are going to formally train in hands-on skills.”
The Rector also stated that his administration has been making progress in making the institution the most visible polytechnic in Nigeria, in line with his avowed vision for the institution, adding that his administration had trained more staff locally and internationally than the polytechnic had done in the last ten years.
He also assured staff that his administration was seriously working on a credible alternative source of power since the price of the automotive gasoline oil (diesel) is increasingly becoming expensive.
Also, the Rector used the occasion to charge staff to be upright in discharging their duties. In his words, “Whenever you occupy a position, make sure the best is achieved. Follow the rules because if you don’t follow the rules, you will miss the mark. Leadership is the ability to inspire followership and achieve results. We have laid a solid foundation in this institution and those coming after us can build skyscrapers on it.”
Meanwhile, some staff used the occasion of the Rector’s birthday to eulogize him on his exceptional leadership qualities. According to Dr. Onyekwere Ezirim, “There is something about the Rector that has endeared him to all and sundry: he has respect for everyone, associate or subordinate. He has a way of appreciating you for the effort you put up in your work. He has a meek heart and strives to keep everyone comfortable around him. You can count how many people that have received queries under him or had their appointments terminated, in spite of the crudity of their offences. In think this is a leadership lesson of tolerance and ability to give people a second chance. The Rector is highly intelligent and has a knack for result and excellence.”
On her own, Mrs Blessing Onugha staff of the division, hailed the Rector for his simplicity and humility. According to her, “The Rector is very humble. Even while he was the Dean of Engineering, he sometimes sauntered into the secretarial office to type and print documents. We all marveled at his humility.”
The high point of the event was the cutting of the birthday cake by the Rector assisted by his amiable wife, Engr. Dr. (Mrs) Joan Arimanwa FICE, and Principal Officers of the polytechnic; while the toast was proposed by the Deputy Rector (Academic), Dr. C.C. Onyemenonu. A poetic piece entitled “Ode to an October Golden Boy” was presented by Dr. U. O. Iwuji as gifts were made by the Divisions of Rectory and Student Affairs, among others.
Source: FEDPONEK GAZETTE