… As Provost Assures Of Strengthening Existing Structures
The Provost of Federal College Of Education (Technical) Asaba, Prof. Josephine Anene-Okeakwa, has assured that as an Institution, they would continue to strengthen existing structures in terms of healthcare delivery and other services that directly affect the well-being of students and staff alike.
She gave the assurance at the 37th Matriculation ceremony of the school on Thursday, in Asaba.
A total of 427 fresh students took their matriculation oath at the School of Business Auditorium.
Prof. Anene-Okeakwa congratulated the new students for securing slots in the stiff competition for space at the institution and advised them to their study serious and embraced the difficulties ahead.
“It’s through overcoming such challenges that we truly discover our strengths.
“The College is known for it’s excellent teaching, on the basis of this, has built the best ICT Center which is also best Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) center in the region in the last JAMB examination. I monitored it. No parents came close to the center. So the college would not tolerate vices”.
According to the Provost, “We are committed to ensuring that academic activities are conducted in conformity with Minimum Standards and general regulatory stipulations by the National Commission for Colleges of Education NCCE) and Teacher Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). To this end, Management has put in place certain measures to rid the College of untoward practices bedeviling some other tertiary institutions in such a magnitude that compromises academic standards”. So far, the measures are achieving set objectives.
“Our Quality Assurance Directorate is invigorated to ensure that all the activities of the College conform to established standards. This Directorate provides guidance and support to other departments and units. In addition to conducting regular self-assessment of College Programmes, the Directorate also monitors teaching and reports to management on regular basis.
“Let me assure you at this point that as an Institution, we will continue to strengthen existing structures in terms of healthcare delivery and other services that directly affect the well-being of students and staff alike.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish to underscore the fact that Government is committed to the professionalization of Nigeria. Pursuant to this, we have been at the forefront in implementing policies for effective teacher education by ensuring that our products meet the best standards possible. We further equip them by facilitating their induction and licensing by TRCN.
‘This way, thousands of graduates of this College have been inducted into the teaching profession. Those inducted, of course, become recognized as qualified teachers who can practice anywhere in the world.
‘To the matriculating students, I admonish all you to count yourselves fortunate to be offered admission here. Remember that even with the best abilities you can do practically nothing without opportunity. Also note that being ignorant is not so much a shame as being unwilling to learn. Experience tells you what to do; confidence allows you to do it. You need not be reminded that, for obvious reasons, the situation of things in the country is such that for every one student admitted into a tertiary institution, there are probably more than ten others who could not gain admission. I strongly admonish you therefore to pursue your programme with all diligence, doggedness, resilience, and dedication. The root of education could be bitter, but the fruit is certainly sweet.
“You are equally urged to eschew deviant and anti-social behaviors such as cultism, hooliganism, burglary, indecent dressing, exam malpractice, sexual assault, etc. Culprits will face penalties as clearly spelt out in your Students Handbook of Information. Be warned that the College has zero-tolerance for any of these vices; there is therefore no hiding place for offenders.
“It is pertinent to stress that in this College, we have a reputation for academic excellence, industrial peace, and harmony. Disruptions of academic calendar by way of lecturers strikes, students’ demonstrations/riots are all alien to us. By the grace of God, College Management has made deliberate efforts to sustain an atmosphere of excellent relations with Students’ Union Government as well as the three staff Unions (COEASU, SSUCOEN, NASU). This is the hallmark of my administration.
“As you join the College Community today, we encourage you to align yourselves with the prevalent atmosphere of peace and harmony, so as not to compromise the reputation and accolades the College has garnered over the years. By so doing, you will not only graduate with flying colours, but you will become illustrious alumni of the College, reputable ambassadors of your families and worthy citizens of this country in the years to come.”