Rector of the Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, has urged the institution’s graduands to remain loyal ambassadors of the polytechnic and to always bring back “good things” as they progress in life.
The rector made the remarks during his address at the 2nd convocation ceremony of the institution, held at the conference hall of the polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State on Saturday.
The graduating class comprised 34,324 National Diploma (ND) recipients and 19,108 Higher National Diploma (HND) recipients.
Among them were 244 HND distinction graduates and 196 ND distinction graduates, with others spread across upper and lower credit categories.
The rector urged the graduands to conquer and break into the world’s endless possibilities and limitless opportunities, but that they should always remember to bring back “good things” to the polytechnic.
He used the occasion to reflect on the polytechnic’s achievements since he assumed office in March 2022.
These include the completion of the Sheriff Oborevwori Administrative Building, named in honour of the Delta State governor, and the ongoing development of a 40-office School of Applied Science and Technology Complex.
A particularly notable achievement was the invention of a fuel-less generator in 2023 by a team of researchers and technologists within the polytechnic.
The innovation, which operates without fuel, solar, hydro, or biogas, has attracted global attention and set the institution apart in the field of applied research and technology.
Prof. Ufuophu-Biri also revealed that the governing council has approved the establishment of a school of environmental studies, which will house departments such as architecture, building technology, and surveying.
He appealed to the state government for formal approval and support to further develop the polytechnic.
Prof. Ufuophu-Biri lauded Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to education, describing Delta State as the “Boston area of Africa”, due to its concentration of institutions of higher learning.
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He also advocated for polytechnic reforms to allow the award of bachelor of engineering degrees and for the chief lecturer rank to be reclassified as associate professor, to improve academic status and competitiveness.
One of the most distinguished highlights of the ceremony was the conferment of the Fellowship of Technology of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara on six prominent Nigerians in recognition of their contributions to society and support for education.
The honorees are Noble Oyibo Eshemtan, Orefe III, the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom, Olorogun John Oguma, the chief executive director of Obakpor Engineering Limited, Obukohwo Monday Whiskey, Udurhie I, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, John Obukohwo Nani, Chairman, DESOPADEC, Matthew Ediri Egbi, Owahwa II, the Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom and Mike Orugbo.
The occasion was graced by traditional rulers, government functionaries, institutional stakeholders, staff unions, students, parents, and members of the host community.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the polytechnic, Andrew Orugbo said the convocation was the institution’s second and the first in the last 10 years.