Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerovwo Tonukari pays familiarization visit to Delta State Polytechnic, inspects project.

Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerovwo Tonukari pays familiarization visit to Delta State Polytechnic, inspects project.

By Queen Stephanie Ikanone Odiete

The Honourable Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Johnbull Nyerovwo Tonukari, has paid a familiarization visit to the Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe, Oghara, located in the Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State on Wednesday, November 9th, 2023.

 The purpose of his visit was to familiarize himself with the institution and its ongoing projects. The Commissioner was warmly welcomed by the Rector of the Polytechnic, Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, along with other principal officers of the school.

During the visit, Prof Tonukari was given a guided tour of the various projects being undertaken at the institution. The enthusiastic students of the Polytechnic also had the opportunity to welcome and interact with the Commissioner in the school's auditorium.

In his welcoming address, the Rector expressed his gratitude for the Commissioner's visit, describing him as his long-time ally. He highlighted the harmonious living environment within the campus and acknowledged recent governmental support, particularly the approval of staff replacements. However, he emphasized the urgent need for more staff, as there was a shortage within the institution.

 The Rector also drew attention to the presence of long-serving casual staff members who deserved to be absorbed into permanent positions. He appealed to the Commissioner to facilitate the necessary appointments. 

The Rector further revealed that some of the Polytechnic's programs were due for accreditation, and that, the institution had already contacted the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) regarding the process. He sought the Commissioner's assistance in securing the required funding to ensure the accreditation of their courses, you enable their students to excel and make significant contributions to society. Additionally, the Rector expressed the institution's intentions to introduce new programs, such as the Higher National Diploma in some of the courses , and requested the Commissioner's support to expedite the necessary procedures.

Other pressing issues raised by the Rector included the need for stable electricity supply within the institution. He explained that they had initially relied on diesel generators but faced challenges when saboteurs disrupted the power supply. The Rector appealed to the Commissioner to assist the institution in acquiring a 33 kVA transformer to address the issue effectively. He also mentioned the poor workmanship exhibited by the contractor responsible for constructing the school's stadium, which was barely a year old but already experiencing roof deterioration.

During his address to the students, Prof Tonukari expressed his appreciation for their warm reception, assuring them of Governor Oborevwori's commitment to education. The Commissioner praised the Rector for the progress made within the Polytechnic and encouraged him to expedite the necessary administrative processes for the introduction of new programs. Prof. Tonukari also announced that the Delta State Government would be providing bursaries to over 30,000 students during the year.

Speaking to journalists, the Commissioner shared his assessment of the Polytechnic, acknowledging it as a valuable asset to Delta State. He recognized the institution's achievements, while emphasizing on the need for further improvement, particularly in terms of infrastructure, including the construction of hostels to assist students. Prof. Tonukari revealed that their budget primarily catered to universities, but expressed the intention to extend support to Polytechnics as well, despite it being unprecedented.

The Rector expressed satisfaction with the Commissioner's visit and commended the discussions held during their meeting in the boardroom, excursion, and auditorium. He expressed confidence in the Commissioner's integrity and the government's commitment to fulfilling their promises.

Furthermore, Prof Ufuophu-Biri highlighted the importance of connecting students and lecturers to the international academic community. He emphasized the institution's dedication to teaching, research, and community service, with a focus on publishing high-quality research in reputable local and international journals. The Rector also stressed the importance of attending conferences and engaging with scholars abroad to enhance the institution's global reputation and credibility. He expressed hope that, if additional funding became available, it would be utilized effectively to support international academic engagements and further enhance the institution's integrity.

Accompanying the Commissioner on this visit include the Permanent Secretary for Education, Dr Anthony Nwolokobia, and other top officials from the Ministry of Education.