The Federal Polytechnic Orogun in Delta State has formally admitted 637 students into its National Diploma programmes for the 2025/2026 academic session, with the Rector, Duke Okoro, urging the new intakes to uphold discipline, integrity and innovation while avoiding cultism, examination malpractice and other social vices.
The charge was delivered during the polytechnic’s third matriculation ceremony held on Saturday at the institution’s Senator Remi Tinubu Lecture Theatre.
Okoro, who was represented by the Deputy Rector, Efetobor Elijah, described the matriculation ceremony as “a significant milestone in the institution’s steady growth within Nigeria’s technical and vocational education sector.”
“It is a celebration of ambition realised, dedication acknowledged, and the growing impact of Federal Polytechnic Orogun in Nigeria’s technical and vocational education landscape,” the rector said.
He disclosed that the 637 newly admitted students comprise 501 full-time and 136 part-time students drawn from different parts of the country, noting that the increasing enrolment reflects growing confidence in the institution’s academic direction and leadership.
“This growing enrolment reflects the increasing confidence that parents, guardians and students across Nigeria have in the academic direction of Federal Polytechnic Orogun. It is also a testimony to the steady progress the institution has made within a very short period of its establishment,” he stated.
The rector also highlighted the institution’s rapid academic expansion, noting that it has grown from three programmes at its inception to 19 programmes approved by the National Board for Technical Education across four schools.
According to him, the management deliberately positioned the institution as a forward-looking polytechnic focused on digital literacy, entrepreneurship and industry-relevant skills.
“When we assumed leadership, we made a clear decision that Federal Polytechnic Orogun would not merely exist. We would distinguish ourselves through deliberate planning, strategic execution and measurable outcomes.
“In three years, we have transformed the Polytechnic from a promising new establishment into a trailblazer of vocational and technical education,” he said.
Okoro stressed that the institution places equal emphasis on character development alongside academic excellence, warning students against activities that could derail their future.
“Education at FEPO is not just about acquiring a certificate; it is about developing skills, character and entrepreneurial capacity. Your certificate may open doors, but your character will determine whether those doors remain open,” he said.
He cautioned students against cultism, examination malpractice, cybercrime and other forms of misconduct, stressing that the institution maintains a zero-tolerance policy for actions that undermine academic integrity.
“Cultism promises protection but delivers destruction. It promises brotherhood but breeds bondage. True courage is the ability to walk away from anything that threatens your future,” he warned.
The rector expressed appreciation to stakeholders whose support has contributed to the institution’s growth, particularly the founder and former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, whose legislative intervention led to the establishment of the polytechnic.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Industrial Training Fund, the National Board for Technical Education and other development partners, noting that their collaboration has accelerated the institution’s development.
The ceremony featured the administration of the matriculation oath, during which the newly admitted students pledged to abide by the rules and regulations of the polytechnic.
Parents and guardians who attended the event expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the institution and commended its management for its rapid development and growing reputation.
