Poly Ojoku Is Set To Rank Among The Best In Nigeria - Rector

The Management of the Polytechnic Ojoku has enjoined the students to take the opportunity offered by the institution so as to have an edge above their contemporaries in the field.

The Rector of the Polytechnic, Oyewale Salaudeen Ajibola, made this known when speaking at Freshers' Orientation Programme, on Wednesday at the take-off campus in Ilemona, headquarters of Oyun local government area of Kwara State.

The programme was the maiden edition of the orientation.

Oyewale also said the Polytechnic is set to rank amongst the best polytechnics in the country and geared towards making her students be able to make positive impacts on the national and global scales.

In his words: "I want to use this medium to again tell the students to take full advantage of opportunities this institution presents. I enjoin them to make best use of the lectures received and related phenomenal.

"Be rest assured that our polytechnic is set to rank amongst the best Polytechnics in the country and to develop you all in making positive impacts on the nation and the global world.

"Through the provision of a highly qualitative polytechnic education with excellence, I believe you will have an edge to succeed in your chosen careers with our numerous innovation cum entrepreneurial skills.

"Beyond that, let me also wish you every success in your academic journey, I encourage you to be serious and do not forget to find ways to contribute to the progress of your society.

"As you meet with your lecturers to talk about your interests and aspirations, and to guide you on the courses you are taking, I encourage you to go forth in a spirit of exploration and adventure.

"Apart from the four walls of your classrooms, make sure to try new things, explore and undertake research. Meet people and tell them about your ideas.

"Lastly, I want you to know that the entire polytechnic community is here to support, sustain and encourage you. We could not be more privileged to welcome you into this vibrant learning community.

"It is you who make us what we are, and we look forward to the fresh ideas and energy you bring to our campus. Thank you all once again, Oyewale concluded.

Speaking on the theme, “Towards A Fulfilling Studentship In A World Class Polytechnic", Engr. Dr. Kehinde Olufemi said Poly Ojoku has the same educational experiences as their contemporaries in other Polytechnics in the country.

Dr. Olufemi of Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering said: "if you pay utmost attention to what you are being taught here you will be able to compete with your contemporaries in other polytechnics in Nigeria.

"This is a world class Polytechnic. There's no difference between this one and any other in the country. So I say you are welcome to The Polytechnic Ojoku, a world class polytechnic.

"This orientation is organized so to make you fulfilled as students. By this we mean you should be happy, refreshed and comfortable with your studentship in this Polytechnic.

"On your part, you have to know the environment terrain and law-abiding. We don't expect you to be rude, disrespectful or misbehave in the town because you are the image of the school to the outside public. Anything you exhibit in the host community shall be trace to the Polytechnic."

Mr. Umar Abubakar, the Chairman of Examination Board warned the new students to be conscious of their academic goals and be wary of having any carry-over in any course.

Abubakar, who is also Ag. Head of Business Administration Department added that Poly Ojoku has zero tolerance for poor academic behaviour and examination malpractices.

"Impersonation, smuggling of extraneous materials, external assistance, copying during examination, collusion and others are forms of examination malpractices. One of the ways we curb impersonation is introduction of your examination cards that have your passports and details on them, you must always come to exam halls with the exam cards, or your invigilators would not let you in.

"Examination malpractice is simply described as improper or unlawful behavior committed by an applicant for a test with the goal of passing it. Exam malpractice has permeated the Nigerian educational system so deeply that it is considered to be invincible. Well, while that may or may not be true, anyone caught in the act shall be referred to the disciplinary committees, and the outcome would be expulsion."

Mr. Umar Abubakar also educated the new students on course registrations and how to achieve academic excellence.

Also speaking, the public relations officer of the Polytechnic, Hammed J. Sulaiman appealed to the students not to abuse the seemly freedom they have being physically away from their parents and guardians.

He also charged them to be mindful of the company they keep.

"The Polytechnic Ojoku cares how you conduct yourselves, not just your academic life. I understand that some students mistaken admission into tertiary institutions for unlimited freedom. Just because you are here and your parents are not does not mean you can do and undo anything you want. Most of you abuse the freedom. You are here and your parents are not does not mean you can do anything.

"And beware of your company, a brilliant student who keeps a bad friend can help up being influenced."

Mr. Mubarak Ibrahim, the Director of the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) educated the new students on the one year industrial training.

"As highlighted by the NBTE, SIWES gives students of the institution opportunity to go on industrial training for a period of one year.

"The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is a programme for developing skills that exposes and gets tertiary students ready for the industrial work environment they will likely encounter after graduation.

"SIWES offers students in Nigerian universities and polytechnics a fantastic opportunity to learn industrial skills from some of the most experienced professionals in the nation.

"Early exposure to best practices, in our opinion, will motivate and inspire students to strive for excellence, one of our fundamental principles. They will benefit from their acquired talents and work ethics throughout their lives.

"The students would be assigned to pertinent departments in any organization they found themselves."

Owoseni Adekunle, the Director of Academic Planning, urged the students to prioritize education so as emerge successful in life.

"The goals of the Academic Planning is to ensure your academic success. We are to ensure you get lectured as at when due, no absenteeism on the part of the lecturers-in-charge.

"The first thing to do when you get admitted is registration. You are not considered a student of the Polytechnic Ojoku unless you register. Go to Registration Unit, submit your documents and they will crosscheck everything.

"Secondly, you need to get yourself informed about your academic duties. Know your lecturers and take your time to familiarize with your coursemates and all of that.

"I must add that this institution puts lectures' attendance on the fore. If you don't have 70% attendance, you can't write exams. The Polytechnic Ojoku expects you to be dutiful enough to attend your classes."

Mohammedking Qassim, the Chairman Students Displinary Committee (SDC) added that the Polytechnic is committed to academic and moral standards.

He said: "the management of course understands that you are here to pursue academic goals, yet discipline and morals should be inculcated. The way you dress is very important as well as your manner of approach.

"Please, in this institution we care about your dispensation of morals and discipline. On no account should you be caught in any act that depicts moral decadence."

During the course of the programme, the Polytechnic’s portal was also displayed via projector by the admission unit and students were shown how to navigate it in making tuition fees, checking their results and viewing their bio-data.

The closing remarks was done by Ag. Registrar of the Polytechnic, Oyewale Abdulsalam Olaide as he wished students best of luck in their academic journey.