Reps member pledges ₦300m constituency project as Federal Polytechnic, Ukana marks Rector’s first anniversary

The Member representing Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr. Patrick Umoh, has pledged a ₦300 million constituency intervention project for the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, as the institution marked the first anniversary of its Rector, Mrs. Eduma Enobong Essien, with the commissioning of major infrastructural projects and the unveiling of key academic and institutional milestones.

The pledge was made during the anniversary celebration held on Friday at the Polytechnic’s Main Campus in Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area, where the institution also showcased its rapid transformation under the one-year-old administration of the Rector.

Dr. Umoh, in his remarks, assured of sustained partnership with the Polytechnic’s management, describing the institution as a strategic centre for youth development, skills acquisition and manpower training. He said the ₦300 million intervention would be targeted at improving learning facilities and expanding opportunities for students, in line with the Polytechnic’s growing academic and entrepreneurial profile.

The ceremony, themed “12 Months of Vision, Innovation and Progress,” attracted government officials, traditional rulers, education stakeholders, staff, students and members of the host community, and served as a formal presentation of the administration’s one-year scorecard.

Major highlights included the commissioning of a modern Skills Training Centre and an Entrepreneurial Development Centre, as well as exhibitions of students’ innovations and institutional production ventures such as a tissue paper production factory, wood processing and furniture production factory, among others.

In her anniversary address, Rector Eduma Essien reflected on her assumption of office one year ago, noting that she met an institution faced with serious infrastructural and academic challenges, but was determined to reposition it for growth, relevance and competitiveness.

She attributed the achievements recorded within the period to teamwork, institutional synergy and shared commitment, appreciating Directors of units, Deans of schools, staff and students for their support and dedication.

The Rector also acknowledged the encouragement of the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, which she said contributed to her emergence as Rector, as well as the support of key stakeholders including Dr. Patrick Umoh, Envoy Nsentip M. Akpabio and others.

Presenting her administration’s scorecard, Mrs. Essien disclosed that the Polytechnic secured accreditation for 21 academic programmes at both National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels within one year, describing the feat as a major leap in academic expansion and quality assurance.

She further revealed that her administration had prioritised student welfare through scholarship support initiatives, strengthened staff capacity development by attracting TETFund interventions, fostered international collaborations, and expanded professional exposure opportunities for both staff and students.

Beyond academics, the Rector announced the revitalisation of the Medical Centre, completion of previously abandoned TETFund projects, and the establishment of revenue-generating ventures including tissue paper production, furniture manufacturing, paint production and block moulding plants, all aimed at boosting Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and promoting entrepreneurial learning.

She also disclosed that 35 students had been deployed by the Federal Government for specialised training at the institution’s Entrepreneurial Development Centre, a development she said reflected growing federal confidence in the Polytechnic’s capacity.

Representing the Akwa Ibom State Government, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien Umoh commended the pace of transformation at the Polytechnic and conveyed the commitment of Governor Umo Eno’s administration to strengthening education across the state.

Earlier, the Registrar of the Polytechnic, Mr. Idhigu Lucky, described the anniversary as a celebration of visionary leadership, noting that the accreditation of 21 programmes, operationalisation of the skills development centre and establishment of production facilities were products of deliberate planning, innovation and disciplined execution.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Acting Rector of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Dr. Akanimoh Jonah, former Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area, Hon. Nse Ntuen, traditional rulers and representatives of staff unions, who commended the Governing Council and management for fostering a conducive academic environment and placing the institution on a sustainable growth path.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including traditional rulers, community leaders, government representatives, academics, union leaders and other stakeholders, who lauded the Polytechnic’s leadership for its vision, reforms and development-driven agenda.