We have raised the Bar – Rector Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic

We have raised the Bar – Rector Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic 

...as institution gets accreditation of more courses BY NSEOBONG DAVID

“When I assumed office as the Rector, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, you will remember that the title of my maiden address was: WE WILL RAISE THE BAR.  I want to say that WE HAVE RAISED THE BAR!”   

These were the words of Dr. Israel Affia, Rector, Akwa Ibom State polytechnic Ikot Osurua when he expressed delight at the rapid level of transformation of the campus since his assumption of office in January 2013 as Rector of the institution.

Dr. Affia made this remarks at the 2018 Solemn Assembly, held at the School’s Sports ground on Wednesday 31st January, 2018.

He expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for the successes recorded in the institution during his regime and paid glowing tributes to the State Governor, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel for giving the institution a facelift.  He announced that the 33 programmes that were presented by the school for either re-accreditation or resource inspection in January last year witnessed 97% success.

The Rector further disclosed that the State’s Polytechnic now has Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes in Electrical Engineering, Environmental Biology and all the programmes in the School of Environmental Studies as well as approval to commence HND in Computer Engineering, noting that these feats were made possible by the help of God through the Akwa Ibom State Government.

He thanked the Governing Council led by Dr. (Mrs.) Akon Eyakenyi for being proactive in ensuring the approval and accreditation of more courses in the institution and prayed more of God’s blessings and wisdom upon them. 

He urged the students to avoid examination misconduct of any kind and obey constituted authorities, as that, he said is the sure way to their success.

Speaking on the theme: It is Good to thank God, the congregational Pastor, Qua Iboe Church, 2 Abak Road, Uyo, Rev. Iniobong Ekong who drew his text from Psalms 92:1-6 admonished that thanksgiving to God is a good thing to do, most importantly for God’s good thoughts concerning everyone.  He therefore implored the people to always remain thankful to God for his favour upon the institution, especially in the accreditation of more courses.

The Commissioner for Education, Professor Victor Inoka who was represented by the Director State Education and Quality Assurance Services, Elder Nkereuwem Ikon expressed joy at the rapid level of development in the institution and commended the Rector for his foresight and wisdom in managing the human components of the institution, while he prayed God to bless him the more.

He thanked the Chairman Governing Council, Dr. (Mrs.) Akon Eyakenyi for her ingenuity, and expressed hope that God would continually use her to add value to the wellbeing of people in the Polytechnic community and the state in general.

On her part, the Chairman Governing Council, Dr. (Mrs.) Akon Eyakenyi maintained that the Solemn Assembly was significant as it afforded Christians the opportunity to gather and thank God for the past and re-dedicate the school, staff and students to God for a successful year.  She lauded Governor Udom Emmanuel for being a lover of education and for supporting the transformation of the institution through approval for accreditation of more courses. 

The Solemn Assembly featured special prayers for Governor Udom Emmanuel, prayers for the Governing council, Rector and Management Team, Academic Board members, staff and students of the Polytechnic as well as peace and prosperity of the institution.

The event had in attendance: a former rector of the school, Elder Eddy Etim, traditional fathers, Deans of Schools, Heads of Departments, Heads of Units, staff and students of the institution.