Dr Michael Arimanwa, Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, on Tuesday cautioned newly-matriculated students of the institution against engaging in cultism and examination malpractice.
Arimanwa, who gave the advice at the institution’s 43rd matriculation ceremony at Nekede, near Owerri, the Imo State capital, also enjoined them to be committed to learning and good character.
The Rector, who is the eight substantive Rector of the polytechnic, also charged them to be found worthy in character and learning.
“Avoid any form of indecent or inappropriate dressing as they attract negative attention and immoral minds.
“Desist from cohabitation. Your parents and guardians did not send you to school to become illegal wives and husbands,” he added. .
The Rector said that his administration had introduced new ideas and innovation-driven approach to ensuring peace, development and progress in the institution.
“We have achieved digital feats in Computer-Based Test (CBT) programmes, as all academic records, including examinations and results, are uploaded to our portals,” he said.
“Students can now access their results online without any need to visit a lecturer’s office,” he said.
While congratulating the students for securing admission, the Rector disclosed that more than 100,000 candidates applied for admission into the institution.
He also charged the students to acquire new skills before their graduation, so as to comply with the Federal Government’s effort in reducing unemployment among graduates.
Arimanwa, who assured parents and guardians of the security of their wards, called them to support the school by endowment and scholarships funds for indigent students.
He also announced the institution’s award of scholarships to six indigents and persons with disabilities, in addition to the previous 40 scholarship awards.
The six beneficiaries are Amarachi Chukwudi, Judith Onwumechuru, Asor Chukwuemeka, Victor Dimpka, Rufus Chukwuma and Prosper Opara.
The highpoint of the event was the administration of oath on the newly-admitted students as well as the ceremonial signing of the matriculation register.
In an address on behalf of the admitted students, Mr Asor Chukwuemeka, commended the digitalisation and automation of all processes which made registration easy for them
“We the matriculants honestly assure you that we will abide by the norms of this great citadel of learning to make us worthy in character and learning,” he assured.
In an interview, one of the beneficiaries, Mr Rufus Chukwuma, who expressed joy at the institution’s scholarship award, pledged to make the institution proud with his studies.