FEDPONEK Rector, Dr. Igbokwe Receives  Praises …As Institution’s 47th Matriculation Ceremony Held Amidst Pomp

ThankGod EMEH…

History was again made at the prestigious Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri on Thursday, April 10, 2025, as the 9th substantive Rector, Dr. Basilia Igbokwe, marked the first Matriculation ceremony under her watch with awards of scholarships to officially usher in 16,000 New and Returning students for the 2024/2025 Academic year.

The event which doubled as the 47th Matriculation of the Institution had all and sundry, including clergymen, parents, and security agents among other dignitaries who graced the occasion amid overwhelming cheers for a new dawn in the school owing to the new normal of orderliness,  timeliness, and human face in dishing out the scholarship to deserving students as well as accommodating the physically challenged persons.

The event started earnestly with a procession of the 16,000 matriculating students from the eight (8) schools of the institution, the Student Union Government officials, members of staff, Directors, and Principal Officers as the Rector declared the ceremony open.

In her speech, the 9th Substantive Rector of the institution, Dr. Basilia Igbokwe, charged the students to focus on their academic pursuits to be good ambassadors of their families and institution, adding that the management has provided a conducive learning atmosphere, state-of-the-art, well-trained staff facilities among the necessary conditions for them to excel.

Dr. Igbokwe further advised the matriculants to set clear personal and academic goals, develop a growth mindset, build positive relationships, seek help and resources through counseling as well and organize and manage time among others in their pursuit of academic excellence.

“I urge our newly matriculated students to take responsibility for your academic and personal growth. Attend classes regularly, do your assignments, and avoid any form of evil activity on campus. Remember your time in the institution is a planting season and the harvest will depend on how well you tend the farm and the seeds you plant.

“…your success is our priority and we are committed to supporting you every step of the way, thank you and congratulations”, Dr. Igbokwe advised while assuring parents and guardians of the management’s commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment that fosters the academic, social and emotional growth of their children.

Putting up a holistic human face to the occasion, the Rector, Dr. Basilia Igbokwe awarded an instant hundred (100) percent Scholarship to three (3) physically challenged persons, the first three (3) students that paid school fees and registered, and one (1) female student each from male-dominated departments namely Mechanical engineering
Electrical Electronics engineering, 
Building Technology
Meteorological and material engineering and Taxation among others.

The scholarships, according to Dr. Igbokwe, are aimed at putting an end to stereotyped course mentality and encouraging an inclusive study environment for all students.

The Polytechnic Helmsman equally seized the moment to showcase the management’s recent achievements which include rehabilitation and recovery of hostels to ease students’ difficulties with accommodation, rehabilitation of ICT, and JAMB Centre to reaffirm commitment to being leading ICT-driven institution,
renovation of the 1,000-capacity hall for comfort during events, reopening of the Block industry and equipping it with modern technology as well as the rehabilitation of the Tissue paper Factory and bottled water Factory, pioneering Digital Transformation through Computer-Based Continuous Assessment Test (CBT CAT), revitalizing Institutional Assets through private-sector partnerships, and securing NBTE approval for the Higher National Diploma (HND) program in Pharmaceutical Technology.

“National Recognition in Innovation: Our team made a remarkable impression at the recently concluded Federal Ministry of Education Innovation Exhibition in Abuja,
showcasing groundbreaking projects and academic excellence.

“Community Engagement and Wellness: The Polytechnic community had an inspiring
first-ever Walkathon, promoting health, unity, and institutional pride.

“Student Relations and Conflict Resolution: The administration has maintained proactive engagement with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and
the general public, ensuring peaceful conflict resolution and a stable academic environment.

“Light Up Nekede: Restoration of electricity and relatively steady power supply on campus and the attraction of 233 solar street lights from the Niger Delta Development
Commission (NDDC).

“Resolving Longstanding Challenges: Under our leadership, over 80% of the 50,000 backlog of students has been successfully cleared for the National Youth Service Corps
(NYSC), boosting the confidence of students about prompt service years after graduation.

“Industry Collaboration for Student Empowerment: A strategic partnership with Innoson Motors’ Kiara Academy was sealed to provide specialized technical training, equipping students with industry-relevant skills. We will not relent in our effort to get more collaborative opportunities.