Rector , FPI, , decry state of hostels,
* Says, its only good for reptiles, rodents.
* Alumni hold maiden convention
The Rector , Federal Polytechnic Idah, Dr. Danladi David Baba has bemoaned the squalor state of the hostels of the Institution describing it as only good for rodents and reptiles.
This is as he called on the Alumni , corporate Organisations and well meaning individuals not to relent on their prompt assistance to the Institution, saying the state of the hostels requires urgent attention to make learning meaningful to the future leaders of this great nation.
The Rector made the call on Friday during the maiden convention of the Alumni Association of Federal Polytechnic Idah, held at the Judith Attah lecture theatre of the polytechnic.
He assured his Administration’s is determination to making the polytechnic most sought for and to be rated among the best in the country, disclosing that the ICPC has rated the polytechnic among first five corruption free polytechnics in the country.
He emphasized the role of the Alumni the world over in the the improvement of infrastructural and other amenities in their alma mater, urging them to be pillar of strength and support to their Institutions.
He commended the alumni for their unrelenting assistance in sinking boreholes, renovation of medical center and industrial Liaison unit, Administration block, School gates, said these contributions have made the Institution great.
He commended the contributions of late alumni, prof. Ezugwu ,for facilitating admissions for some Alumni for their masters Degree in South West University, London, and late professor J.N. Egila , former Rector, for his effort in the formation of the Alumni Association.
Meanwhile, the erstwhile President of the Association, Engr.Godwin Omofona, CP (rtd) went on memory lane on their struggle to keep the school at par with her peers in all ramifications.
He disclosed that the Polytechnic, which was established in 1977 was known as Idah College of Technology and to run on a four Year stream for the award of Nigerian National Diploma NND unlike her counterparts which runs a National Diploma and Higher National Diploma.
He added that it took the struggle of the early students who fought and won the battle for the reversal to a two stream of ND and HND.
He said the FPI Alumni Association took off in 1985 at the Ikeja Police Barrack with about 28 ex students who have contributed immensely to the sustenance of the association , saying the Polytechnic in her 44 years existence deserves a formidable Alumni that can beat its chest any where in the world .
Engr. Omofoma urged the management to maintain mutual relationship with Alumni , to ensure that the welfare of students and teachers are upheld, advised Management to ensure regulation is done with human eyes of equity, fairness and justice.
He challenged members for an agressive capital campaign to encourage all alumni across the world to make meaningful contribution to the school.
He Commended the Rector, Dr. D.D. Baba, for his support and guidance for issues concerning the Association, and called on Alumnus who are yet to be recognised with the body to do so in order to move the Institution to a greater height.
He called on the Government to remove dichotomy between the HND and First Degree and to allow Polytechnics to offer Post Graduate Programmes to enhance productivity and to increase IGR of the Institution to defray liabilities.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, Governing Council, Professor Matthew Oluwamukomi Commended both the management and alumni for their immense contribution to the growth of the Polytechnic.
He assured that the Council under his watch, will work assiduously to ensure both academic content and physically transformation of the Institution is maintained .
He called on the Federal Government to create a commission that will take care of issues that concern only the polytechnics, rather than lumping polytechnics with technical and vocational Institutions as it is the case with NBTE.