Anambra Poly holds maiden convocation for the first time
By Ukpa Ewa
The Anambra State Polytechnic (ANSPOLY) is the kind of institution currently needed to improve the socio-economic development of the country.
The Anambra Commissioner for Tertiary and Science Education, Solid Minerals, and Energy, Mrs Sally Mbanefo said this at the maiden convocation ceremony of the institution at Mgbakwu.
“These are the type of institution in need globally to produce the talented youths needed to focus on for quality education so as to make a difference in people’s lives.’’
She commended the effort of staff members of the institutions and those supporting the convoking students, family members that made sacrifices for them to earn their certificates.
The commissioner underscored the importance of higher education and challenges posed to growth in Africa.
“The more educated and skilled a person is, the more productive and motivating they turn out to be in their quest for economic growth.’’
She, however, enjoined the outgoing students to use their energy, action, and talent received through education to change the World as it was up to them to prove.
The commissioner was represented by Director, Tertiary Education Mrs Oyibo Alor.
The convocation is a combined ceremony for the students of Anambra State College of Agriculture and those of Anambra State Polytechnic from 2007 to 2020.
Addressing graduating students in Mgbakwu, the Rector, Dr Nneka Mefoh said the institution had since 2007 been graduating students without convocation necessitating the merged convocation.
She recalled that the State Polytechnic graduated from the Anambra State College of Agriculture which had existed since 1978 and was upgraded to Polytechnic to offer National Diploma (ND) in 2017.
“We know that without this convocation, we may not be able to give them their certificates. The institution decided to organise this mini convocation, believing that by next year, there will be full convocation.’’
While thanking the graduates for their patience, the Rector said the institution was making giant strides that attracted its recognition by Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).
The Rector was represented by the Deputy Rector, Dr Njideka Chiekezie.
Chairman Saeco Group of Companies, Amb Sampson Egenti received an Honorary Diploma in Business Administration and Entrepreneurial Studies for his contribution to community development,
He said he was delighted at the award, urging the students who keep enrolling into the institution to be humble to the authority in order to acquire knowledge and be productive thereafter.
In his remarks, Coordinator of graduated students of both institutions Uchenna Daniel Nwadiogbu had expressed worries over delays in the issuance of their certificates, noting that much was expected from the institution.
He pleaded with the Government to intervene for their speedy mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
No fewer than 400 students received their National Diploma (ND) Certificates from their respective departments.
Those in attendance are Traditional Rulers, Registrar Mr Samuel Uzo Nnana, Dean of Students Affairs, Mr Chinedu Ejikeme, Public Relations Officer, Sir Okagbue Chukwuanu, Heads of Departments (HODs), and Members of Internal Management Committee. (MOI)
