I Have Received Over 169 Awards in the Last Five Years, Says Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede As He Accepts Gold From NGO

Pace-setting Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede who is winding up his five-year tenure, Engr. Dr. Michael Arimanwa FNSE JP, says he has so far received over 169 awards from reputable local and international bodies. These awards are in recognition of the numerous landmark projects he executed since his assumption of office.

Besides these phenomenal honours, the Rector also stated that he had been invested best Rector award six times, adding that a seventh one was in the offing. The Rector made these remarks in his office last Friday when he received a gold award from a Non-Governmental Organization, Coalition of Supporters of Democracy and Good Governance.

Speaking at the award ceremony, spokesman of the group declared thus: “The Rector has done marvelously well since he assumed office in the last five years. He has run an open-door policy which shows that he is a humane and meek person. He has invested heavily in human capital development. More importantly, he has radically expanded the infrastructure of the polytechnic as well as opened the institution for growth. The Rector in the spirit of curriculum development established more schools and departments. This is to say the least, an ambitious move. We have come therefore as an organization to encourage you with this gold award.”

Responding, the Rector expressed appreciation to the group for being in touch with his leadership trajectory, adding that the award was his 169th since he assumed office in 2018, in addition to six phenomenal awards as best Rector in the country.

“I am happy to receive this award. This is the 169th award I am receiving since my assumption of this noble office. Already I have six awards as best Rector in my kitty, with a seventh one afoot. Seven is a number of perfection hence I am delighted to be so honoured by people who are faithfully keeping track of our achievements.

“I am happy that this latest award is coming from those who are supporters of good governance. Indeed, we all desire good governance at all levels of government in Nigeria. We have capacity as a nation to take the country to the next level. We have capable human capital all over the country.

“We also have capacity to attract people from all over the world to stay with us in Nigeria instead of a situation where our people want to leave the country in droves to other climes. I am confident that as young people, you still have the mental energy to give this country your best when the time comes.”

Principal Officers present at the award ceremony included the Deputy Rector (Academic), C.C. Onyemenonu and Deputy Rector (Administration) Dr. F. U. Ibeaja. Others include the Registrar, Mrs. E.C. Anuna, Bursar, Mr. V. N. Anyanwuocha and the Librarian, Dr. C. C. Obichere.12 August, 2023.