By Uzo Ugwunze
Wednesday, January 17, 2024, was a delightful evening on the eve of the 19th Combined Convocation of the Federal Polytechnic Oko in Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State.
The polytechnic staff entertained their audience on the school soccer pitch as
the Academic/Teaching Polytechnic Staff faced off against the
Non-Academic/Non-Teaching Polytechnic Staff in an exciting and stress-free
novelty football match. The match marked the opening ceremony of the two-day
event scheduled for January 18th and 19th, 2024.
The Rector, Engr. Dr. Mrs.
Francisca Unoma Nwafulugo, the first female rector of the polytechnic,
expressed her gratitude for the successful organization of the convocation. She
mentioned the challenges faced in previous attempts to hold the convocation in
2019 and 2020, attributing the success to divine timing.
The Federal Polytechnic Oko had
not conducted a convocation for over a decade due to financial constraints.
However, upon assuming office in 2019, Rector Nwafulugo pledged to the Alumni
body that she would ensure a convocation took place during her tenure. True to
her commitment, the convocation is now a reality, complementing the numerous
achievements under her leadership.
“We have worked tirelessly to
make FPO distinguished among the committee of polytechnics nationally and
internationally," she stated. The polytechnic achieved accreditation for
62 programs, introduced new programs like Chemical Engineering and
Horticultural Technology, and completed 17 infrastructure projects sponsored
through tetfund, capital fund, and IGR.
Explaining the choice to
commence the convocation with sports, Nwafulugo emphasized the unifying power
of sports. She highlighted the benefits of sports in bringing people together,
fostering unity, and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
The Polytechnic Public
Relations Officer, Mr. Chijioke Ibeziako, Director of Sports, Pastor Kehinde
Ogubunmi, and Polytechnic Head Coach, Mr. Uche Okafor, expressed gratitude to
the rector for actively supporting sporting activities within the polytechnic
for both staff and students.
The Staff Novelty Football
Match between the Academic/Teaching Staff and Non-Academic/Non-Teaching Staff
concluded with a 0:2 victory in favor of the latter.
The convocation schedule
includes a Convocation Lecture by Prof. Chinedu Nebo on Thursday, January 18th,
2024, at the Polytechnic Auditorium at 10 am. Highlights for the day include an
exhibition of products from various departments. On Friday, January 19th, 2024,
the actual Convocation ceremony and awards presentations will take place at the
Convocation Arena at 10 am.
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