Ministerial Committee on Skills Development, Engineering Workshop Intervention Visits Federal Polytechnic Orogun

OROGUN, DELTA STATE - Federal Polytechnic Orogun on Tuesday hosted the Ministerial Committee on Skills Development and Engineering Workshop Intervention (MCSD & EWI), in line with the Federal Government’s ongoing nationwide inspection of beneficiary institutions under TETFund-supported programmes.
 

The visitation, which is part of a directive by the Honourable Minister of Education, is guided by a structured Work Plan designed to assess and evaluate the implementation of key intervention programmes in Nigerian polytechnics.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Rector, Prof. Duke Okoro, the Deputy Rector, Dr. Efetobor Ogheneyoma Elijah, welcomed the team in the company of the Registrar, Mrs. Christine Aluyi; Dean, School of Engineering, Engr. Clifford Ogheneme; Dean, School of Applied Sciences, Dr. Edna Anuku; and the Acting Chief Coordinator of the FEPO Skills Development Academy, Dr. Olowu Irikefe.

The reception featured a traditional Urhobo welcome, highlighted by the presentation of kolanut, symbolizing goodwill and hospitality.
 
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Efetobor underscored the Polytechnic’s strategic alignment with national priorities on skills acquisition and technological advancement. “This visitation is both timely and significant. Federal Polytechnic Orogun is proud to be a selected beneficiary of the 2026 TETFund Skills Development Intervention, and we remain fully committed to ensuring that these interventions translate into tangible outcomes,” he said.
 
He added that the institution is deliberately strengthening its capacity for practical training and innovation-driven education. “Our approach is to build a system where skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship are at the core of learning. We are not just expanding infrastructure; we are building competence and relevance in line with national development goals,” he noted.
 
In his remarks on behalf of the Team Lead, Arc. Inene Erivwo, Engr. Bashir Datti explained that the visit was anchored on key components of the Committee’s Work Plan, particularly the assessment and inspection of 2026 beneficiary polytechnics under the TETFund Skills Development Intervention. “Federal Polytechnic Orogun is among the selected institutions for this phase of assessment. Our task is to evaluate the level of implementation, inspect facilities, and ensure that the objectives of the intervention are being met,” he stated.
 
He commended the Polytechnic for its visible progress, describing its infrastructural and academic expansion as commendable.
 
Also speaking, a member of the team, Engr. Dr. Jide Soyemi, encouraged the institution to position itself strategically for emerging federal government initiatives. “Beyond the current intervention, we urge the Polytechnic to prepare proactively for assessment as a prospective beneficiary of the Engineering Workshop for the ‘One Product, One Polytechnic’ scheme. This initiative is central to driving innovation, specialization, and production capacity across polytechnics,” he said.
 
The Registrar, Mrs. Christine Aluyi, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to due process and accountability in managing intervention funds. “We have ensured that all processes are properly documented and aligned with regulatory standards. Transparency and efficiency remain the cornerstones of our administrative system,” she said.
 
On his part, Dr. Olowu Irikefe highlighted the role of the FEPO Skills Development Academy in advancing hands-on learning. “Our programmes are tailored to equip students with practical, industry-relevant skills. We are focused on producing graduates who can create value, drive innovation, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” she explained.
 
During the visit, the committee embarked on an extensive tour of the Polytechnic’s facilities, meticulously examined critical documentation, and held engaging interactions with key stakeholders, all aimed at rigorously assessing the institution’s state of readiness to fully leverage the 2026 interventions before drawing the exercise to a close.
 
The visitation underscores the Federal Government’s renewed emphasis on skills development as a catalyst for economic growth, with Federal Polytechnic Orogun emerging as a key player in advancing this national agenda.