Federal Polytechnic Orogun matriculates 637 Students, as Rector warns against cultism, exam malpractice

Orogun, Delta State — The Federal Polytechnic Orogun on Saturday formally admitted 637 students into its National Diploma(ND) programmes for the 2025/2026 academic session. The Rector, Prof. Duke Okoro, charged the new entrants to embrace discipline, innovation and integrity as well as to steer clear of cultism, examination malpractice and other social vices capable of destroying their future.

The charge was contained in the address of the Rector, Prof. Duke Okoro, delivered at the Polytechnic’s 3rd Matriculation Ceremony held at the Sen. Remi Tinubu's Lecture Theatre of the institution.

The Rector, who was represented by the Deputy Rector, Dr. Efetobor O. Elijah, who presided over the ceremony and presented the Rector’s address to the large gathering of students, parents, staff and dignitaries.

The event recorded an impressive turnout, with parents, guardians and invited guests filling the lecture theatre to witness the induction of the new students into the academic community.

In his address, Prof. Okoro described the matriculation ceremony as a historic milestone in the evolving journey of the institution, noting that Federal Polytechnic Orogun is steadily consolidating its place in Nigeria’s technical and vocational education landscape.

“Today is not just another ceremony. Today, history breathes again. It is a celebration of ambition realized, dedication acknowledged, and the growing impact of Federal Polytechnic Orogun in Nigeria’s technical and vocational education landscape".

According to him, the 637 students admitted for the 2025/2026 academic session comprise 501 full-time and 137 part-time students, drawn from different parts of the country.

He noted that the steady increase in enrolment reflects the growing confidence of Nigerians in the academic vision and leadership of the institution. 

“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".

Prof. Okoro also highlighted the institution’s rapid academic expansion, revealing that the Polytechnic has grown from three academic programmes at inception to nineteen programmes approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) across four schools.

He emphasized that the Management deliberately positioned the Polytechnic as a forward-looking institution 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.”

The Rector also stressed that the institution places equal emphasis on character development and academic excellence, warning the students against social vices capable of destroying 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 warned the students against cultism, examination malpractice, cybercrime and other forms of misconduct, declaring that the institution maintains zero tolerance for activities that threaten academic integrity and human dignity. 

“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.

Prof. Okoro also expressed appreciation to stakeholders whose support continues to strengthen the Polytechnic, particularly the Founder of the institution and former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, whose legislative intervention led to the establishment of the Polytechnic.

He equally acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), TETFund, JAMB, ITF, development partners and the host communities, noting that their collaboration has accelerated the institution’s growth.

Speaking at the event, the Registrar of the Polytechnic, Mrs. Christine Aluyi, described the matriculation ceremony as a symbolic gateway into academic responsibility, urging the new students to familiarize themselves with the institution’s regulations.

She advised them to remain focused on their studies and conduct themselves in ways that reflect the values of the Polytechnic. “Matriculation marks your formal entry into the academic community. From today, you are bound by the rules, traditions and ethical standards of this institution. Discipline, integrity and commitment to learning must guide your actions throughout your stay here,” she said.

The Polytechnic's Librarian, Prof. Achugbue I. Edwin, urged the students to cultivate strong reading habits and take full advantage of the institution’s library resources to enhance their academic development.

According to him, the library remains a critical pillar of intellectual growth in higher education.
“The library is the heartbeat of scholarship in any academic institution. Students who make effective use of library resources invariably distinguish themselves academically".

“Beyond the classroom, the culture of reading, research and intellectual curiosity will shape your ability to innovate and solve problems in society.”

Prof. Achugbue further noted that the Polytechnic is committed to strengthening access to information resources and digital learning platforms to support modern academic engagement.

The ceremony featured the formal 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, commending the management for the rapid development and growing reputation of the Polytechnic.

As part of activities that added excitement to the ceremony, a challenge was thrown to the newly matriculated students to sing the Federal Polytechnic Orogun anthem. The challenge, which drew enthusiastic interest from the students, was won by Collins Akpovwowo, a student of the Civil Engineering Department, who impressed the audience by confidently singing the anthem. 

He was rewarded with a cash prize of ₦70,000, drawing loud applause from the crowd and adding a lively moment to the historic matriculation ceremony.

With the successful induction of the new students, Federal Polytechnic Orogun continues to position itself as a fast-rising hub for technical education, digital skills and entrepreneurial development in Nigeria.