Nekede Poly Matriculates 13,000 Fresh Students as Rector Urges Discipline, Inaugurates Parents’ Forum ||| NEWS CORNER

ThankGod Emeh…

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Dr. Basilia Igbokwe, has charged over 13,000 newly admitted students of the institution to pursue academic excellence and maintain good character as the Polytechnic held its 48th matriculation ceremony on Friday, March 6, 2026.

Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Igbokwe reminded the students that the certificates awarded by the institution reflect not only academic performance but also character.

According to her, the Polytechnic is committed to producing graduates who are disciplined, responsible and capable of representing the institution positively wherever they find themselves.

“We give certificates in character and in learning, and we expect that as they gain knowledge they should also allow the institution to shape them into good citizens wherever they find themselves,” she said.

She added that whenever a graduate identifies as a student of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, it should reflect the institution’s reputation for sound training and discipline.

The Registrar

The Rector also expressed concern that several students who were selected to receive scholarship awards during the programme missed the opportunity because they were absent when their names were called, hence forfeited the awards.

The Rector with some scholarship beneficiaries…

She attributed the development to lack of focus and inadequate awareness among some new students who are still adjusting to the academic environment.

“They are just year-one students, and many of them are still coming from backgrounds where they may not yet understand the importance of such opportunities,” she said.

According to the Rector, the incident forms part of the learning process for new students, adding that the institution would continue to train them to remain focused so that they do not miss similar opportunities in the future.

“I have pardoned them, but once it is lost, it is lost. I cannot go back to them again. The opportunity will simply go to those who are ready to take it and run with it,” she added.

Dr. Igbokwe also identified inadequate funding as one of the major challenges facing the institution since she assumed office as Rector.

She explained that although the Polytechnic has several development plans, limited financial resources often restrict the speed at which some projects and initiatives can be implemented.

“Funding is one of the greatest challenges everywhere. There are many things we want to achieve within a year, but when you look at the funds available, you realize it limits what you can do,” she said.

The Rector, however, noted that the institution is exploring alternative sources of funding by reaching out to private organisations and other partners beyond government in order to support infrastructure development and academic programmes.

Earlier, the Polytechnic also recorded another milestone when the Rector inaugurated a Parents Management Forum (PMF) aimed at strengthening stakeholder participation in the governance and development of the institution.

Speaking during the inaugural meeting held at the institution’s 1,000-capacity auditorium, Dr. Igbokwe described the initiative as a strategic step toward deepening collaboration between the Polytechnic management and parents or guardians of students.

According to her, the forum received formal approval from the institution’s Governing Council and was created to enhance institutional governance while expanding stakeholder engagement within the academic community.

Dr. Igbokwe

“The establishment of the Parents Management Forum represents a strategic measure to consolidate our achievements through structured and sustained collaboration between the institution and the family home front,” she said.

She noted that the forum recognizes parents as critical partners in the academic and moral development of students and would serve as a platform for constructive dialogue, improved communication and trust-building between the institution and families.

The Rector explained that the forum would also support the Polytechnic in mobilizing supplementary resources for development projects, improving infrastructure, strengthening financial sustainability and attracting partnerships and external support.

Dr. Igbokwe further disclosed that the forum would contribute to the institution’s digital transformation agenda, which includes the automation of academic and administrative processes such as student registration, results processing, electronic transcript services and digital clearance systems.

Membership of the forum includes parents and guardians, principal officers of the Polytechnic, selected deputy registrars, heads of departments, course advisers, hostel officers, representatives of the host community, the institution’s security unit and members of the Students’ Union Government.

Under the proposed structure, the forum elected Mr Anslem Onuoha as Chairman representing the parents and guardians, with Dr. Obinna Iwueke as vice chairman drawn from the Polytechnic community alongside Mr. Gabriel Nwaka – Secretary and Mrs. Salvation Ubah -Assistant Secretary.

She added that the forum would hold statutory meetings once every semester, with provisions for emergency meetings when necessary, noting that the PMF will operate through a dedicated account with the Polytechnic Microfinance Bank and function as a registered non-governmental organisation in compliance with Nigerian laws, with a Board of Trustees providing strategic oversight to ensure accountability.

Dr. Igbokwe expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen discipline, improve student welfare and enhance the reputation of the Polytechnic as the institution is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading polytechnics, known for academic excellence, innovation and strong community engagement.