By Uredo Omale.
The Acting Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic, Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman has announced that the Entrepreneurship Development Centre of the institution will soon be converted into a full fledged Directorate.
The Acting Rector made the pronouncement when he visited the centre in the company of other principal officers of the institution on Friday.
He also promised to liaise with Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to ensure that a befitting workshop is built for the Centre.
Dr Usman described the decision of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to make skills acquisition one of the requirements for the award of National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates as laudable.
He added that, “when graduates become employers of labour, supported by the loan that government gives with little interest, it will enhance self reliance and self development which is one of the ways of reducing hunger and curbing crimes.”
Dr Usman reiterated his focus on uplifting the Polytechnic in spite of some challenges on ground.
He added that several steps have been taken since his assumption of office to overcome such challenges and break new grounds.
The Acting Rector stressed that the setting up of the Legal Unit, revitalization of the ICT Centre by upgrading it into a full Directorate that will ensure speedy, efficient and effective handling of academic and administrative matters, are but a few of such decisions and actions.
He also stated that all hands are on deck to ensure that the security department and the Polytechnic Medical Centre (Clinic) have befitting structures before his first 100 days in office.
He disclosed that electricity has been extended to the School of Management Studies (SMS) and the Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC), adding that the Lokoja Campus is now fully lighted at night.
On his plan to increase the internally generated revenue of the Polytechnic, he disclosed his plans to take a proposal to the government for the establishment of a standard printing press on the campus in addition to the establishment of a block making industry under the supervision of the Polytechnic Consultancy Services.
The other principal officers in their separate remarks pledged support and loyalty to the Acting Rector and encouraged members of staff to be committed and passionate about their job.
Responding, the Coordinator of the Centre, Mr Ben Ukwubile Atanu appreciated the Acting Rector and his team for the visit and enumerated the steps taken to ensure the growth and advancement of the centre (EDC) and the Polytechnic at large.
