Empowering Education: Governing Council Reaffirms Dedication to Federal Polytechnic
Ugep’s Academic Excellence
Chairman of the Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic, Ugep-Yakurr, Cross River State, Dame Senator (Princess) Florence Ita-Giwa, has reaffirmed the council’s commitment to establishing the institution as a beacon of academic excellence.
According to Senator Ita-Giwa, the Council is resolute in its pursuit of making Federal Polytechnic, Ugep-Yakurr, a premier institution of higher learning in Nigeria, to be known for its academic distinction and progress.
Princess Ita-Giwa made the assertion on December 22, 2024 while briefing the press during the Council’s meeting.
The Council Chair expressed optimism about the newly established polytechnic, noting its vast potential to become a leading institution in the country. She emphasized the need for collaborative support from the Cross River State Government and the host community to complement the Federal Government’s efforts in developing the polytechnic.
Senator Ita-Giwa expressed concerns about some reports regarding the polytechnic, emphasizing the need for a balanced coverage. She urged the media to collaborate with the governing council to promote the institution’s growth and development, fostering a positive and supportive partnership.
“Statements made by the Rector during his appearance before a Committee of the House of Representatives were misrepresented. This misrepresentation almost triggered a bad relationship between the polytechnic and the host community.
“It is for this reason that we set up a community relations committee to work together. We should avoid any form of inflammatory statements,” Ita-Giwa noted.
The governing council Chairperson expressed satisfaction with the stakeholders’ meeting, describing it as one with a productive outcome. “We are dedicated to fostering a stronger partnership between the institution and the community,” she emphasized, highlighting the council’s commitment to collaborative growth and development.
The Rector, Professor Edward Okey, clarified that the polytechnic did not receive N20 Billion Naira as a take-off grant after its establishment in 2021. In fact, he stated that the institution received only N2 billion as a take-off grant, which was utilized for construction of new facilities, renovations and purchasing essential equipment.
“We were actually given N2bn as a take off grant, that money has been judiciously applied to put some structures in place. We embarked on perimeter fencing, renovated some structures and constructed a 40-room two-storey building that we have also equipped.
Professor Okey highlighted the need for the construction of internal access roads to connect various facilities within the polytechnic, noting this as a critical infrastructure requirement for the institution.
