By Uzo Ugwunze
It was really fun Wednesday, January 17, 2024 evening being the eve of the 19th Combined Convocation of the Federal Polytechnic Oko in Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State as the staff of the polytechnic thrilled their spectators from the school soccer pitch as the Academic/Teaching polytechnic Staff locked horns with the Non Academic/non teaching polytechnic staff in a scintillating and stress free novelty football match to mark the opening ceremony of the 2-days event billed for January 18th and 19th 2024.
According to the Rector, Engr. Dr. Mrs Francisca Unoma Nwafulugo, the first female rector of the polytechnic, we had planned three times to hold this convocation from 2019, 2020 but could not but as it pleases God the designer of everything it has come to pass. I do believe that God’s time is always the best. We are here today by the mercies of God.
It could be recalled that it has been well over a decade since Federal Polytechnic Oko conducted the last convocation which could be tied to paucity of funds but on assumption of office 2019, The Digital and working Amaozon made a promise to the Alumni body that she would take the bull by the horns and ensure that a convocation was conducted during her tenure and as an icing to the cake of her numerous achievements in the polytechnic has ensured that a convocation takes place.
.”We have worked tirelessly to make FPO distinguished among committee of polytechnics nationally and internationally.
“We started with the accreditation of 62 programmes which were at the verge of closure and now all the programmes we run in this polytechnic are accredited. We also mounted new programmes namely Chemical Engineering and Horticultural technology. In infrastructure, we have completed 17 buildings sponsored via tetfund, capital fund and IGR. A 1.2 km road was also constructed and commissioned by Federal Ministry of Works,we look forward to commissioning remaining completed projects in January 2024,” she said
On why the polytechnic decided to open the combined convocation ceremony with sports,, Nwafulugo said that as people from all walks of life were gathering for the event it was a good thing to exercise the body saying that sports unite people.
“I think it is a good thing, we purposely decided to start this 19th Conbined Convocation with sports because there are lots of benefits in sports. It brings people together. It unites the nation. Sports unites group of people, even the Bible said that sports is beneficial to our health. In a great institution like this where we have diverse groups, with sports we are United and it helps us understand each other. It is not all about work work work sometimes, it is good for us to unwind and interact,” said Engr Mrs Nwafulugo.
Earlier, the trio of the Polytechnic Public Relations Officer,Mr. Chijioke Ibeziako, Director of Sports, Pastor Kehinde Ogubunmi and the Polytechnic Head Coach,Mr. Uche Okafor thanked the rector for always maximizing the benefits of sports by sponsoring many sporting activities in the polytechnic for both staff and students.
However, the Staff Novelty football match between the Academic/Teaching Staff vs Non Academic/Non teaching Staff ended 0:2 in favor of the later.
Moreover, other programs outlined for the 19th Combined Convocation include, Thursday 18th, January 2024: Convocation lecture to be delivered by Prof. Chinedu Nebo at the Polytechnic Auditorium by 10am. Highlights include Exhibition of Products by various departments
Moreso, On Friday 19th January 2024 will be the actual Convocation ceremony and awards presentations which will take place at the Convocation Arena by 10am.
