Akwapoly holds 6th convocation Saturday ...Rector warns against cultism activities

BY ABASIFREKE OBOT

In tandem with Governor Udom Emmanuel’s zero tolerance for cultism in the State, the Rector of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic (AKWAPOLY), Ikot Osurua, Dr. Moses Charles Umobong, has warned cultists against encroaching the venue of the upcoming Akwapoly Convocation ceremony billed for May 11th or making advances to perpertrate violence. 

This warning came while the Acting Rector, at a press briefing in Uyo, field questions from newsmen on security measures put in place to avert violence at the convocation, of which the recent cult induced violence in the University of Uyo was a case in point.

Dr. Umobong stated in strong terms that the citadel of learning does not condone cultism. In his words, “We don’t tolerate it here.”

THE INK captured that the school has attempted, faring successfully to bring the issue of cultism to the barest minimum and won’t fall short of expectations on Saturday.

“I’m telling you here that on the issue of cultism, we have totally suppressed it. I give credit to my past rectors and since my assumption of office, if for any reason, you are mentioned as belonging to whatever you belong; you know we have Anti-Cultism Squad in Ikot Akpan Abia, there you go on that day. We’ve sent so many there and some of them are in court as at now,” Umobong stressed.

The Rector who pledged a violence-free convocation ceremony and a peaceful ambience before, during and after the ceremony noted,” So for that day, we have taken adequate security measures to guard against those other sides of it.”

The Rector announced that the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel will be making the scene as the Special Guest of Honour at the event and will also move to lay the foundation stone of the 52- rooms Udom Emmanuel Academic Block. 

The 11th May convocation ceremony will also mark for the institution, its 6th convocation since the school came on board, having this time around the 2014/2015,  2015/2016, 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 graduands at the National Diploma level(ND) and Higher National Diploma level for the convocation proper.

On a more working insight for this Saturday’s event, THE INK gathered that over 9,096 graduands will be awarded degrees in their respective programmes, though the figure is subject to change, according to the Acting Rector.

On his part, Dr Samuel Edet, the Acting Chairman of the Governing Council, noted, “ When we came here, this place was like moribund, it was almost dead before His Excellency graciously gave us huge sum of #200,000,000 to embark on the 2015 accreditation which this council applied with management and with the 2015/2016 and the nine new programmes that translated into the 32 programmes we have. 

“We still want to thank him for giving us the approval and a date for the 6th convocation.”

The Acting Chairman who also spoke on security maintained, “This school is a safe place. We have zero tolerance to cultism thanks to His Excellency’s anti cultist act that he proscribed cultism. This institution does not habour cultist and we don’t intend to. Coming on the 11th, you will see this place crime-free. Feel free to come to Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, you won’t regret.”

The Registrar, Dr.(Mrs) Mary Ndah, also thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for approving the hosting of their 6th convocation. She further thanked the Acting Rector and the entire governing council of the institution for their support so far.