ARMSTRONG ALLAHMAGANI, Bauchi-
The Federal Polytechnic Bauchi in collaboration with the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University on Friday matriculated 240 degree students at the 510 Hall of the Polytechnic in Bauchi.
In his opening remarks, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Architect Sanusi Gumau, described the matriculation as history being made in the Polytechnic’s 42 years of interrupted academic sojourn and an epoch moment.
He said: “For the first time we are witnessing our first set of degree students, spread across our schools of Engineering Technology and Environmental Technology, in affiliation with the prestigious Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, being matriculated.
“This is like a dream come through. Because when I assumed office as the sixth substantive Rector of the Polytechnic, I nursed the idea of expanding our tentacles in line with the fulfillment of our mission of achieving global competitiveness in technological training, through the provision of capable human resources, infrastructural facilities and participate in national and international linkages”.
“Words will always fail me, in acknowledging the big-brother role the ATBU played and is still playing, in fast tracking the processes leading to the successful realization of our affiliation with it. I must, while expressing our immense gratitude to the Management of the ATBU, also assure you that we shall always fulfill our part of the bargain in this academic romance.”
Architect Gumau assured that the Polytechnic is up to the task as it is equipped with adequate equipment, manpower and laboratories which are the prerequisites for training degree students adding that they came to this conclusion taking a cue from the comments and submissions of the resource verification team from the National Universities Commission.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor of ATBU, Professor Muhammad Abdulazeez, in his speech while matriculating the students said that the university has no cause to be disappointed adding that because “of the reports reaching us about this great Polytechnic”, ATBU has not made the wrong decision in bestowing its confidence in the Polytechnic.
According to him, students matriculation is a cardinal requirement for qualifying any admitted student as a bonafide member of a University, or indeed, any tertiary institution.
The Vice Chancellor warned that the universityas well as the polytechnic have zero tolerance of social vices and would therefore, not hesitate to deal decisively with any students or group of students found wanting.
He called on the students to note that the oath they took is an indication of their readiness to abide by ATBU laws and statutes as well as a promise that they will conduct yourself with decorum during their stay in the institution.
He assured them that everything has been done possible to ensure the provision of acceptable standard of educational facilities and welfare and counselled the matriculated students to give the Polytechnic all the needed support to realize the vision and mission of both the Polytechnic and the University.
Professor Abdulazeez also cautioned the students to abide by the COVID-19 Protocols pointing out to them that “as you are aware that it is an offence to violate the protocols.”
He added that: “All students are therefore enjoined to always wear face masks, wash their hands regularly with water and apply sanitizer for safety reasons.”
The Vice Chancellor also expressed the University’s appreciation of the support being given to the Polytechnic by the host community.
He also commended the Bauchi State Government for its tireless support which is a mark of seriousness to the development of education as a vehicle for transformation.
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