Provost, Prof Okoli Urges Graduating Students to Shun the Lure of Cyber Crime
Felix Oti, Awka
The Provost, Federal College of Education ( Technical) Umunze, Prof Theresa Obumneme Okoli has urged the graduating students to be worthy ambassadors of the institution by focusing on building a sustainable career rather than engaging in antisocial behaviours.
The Provost stated this during the 30th joint convocation ceremony for the award of Nigeria Certificate of Education (NCE) and Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) which took place at the College Convocation arena.
Prof. Okoli in her speech, urged the students to shun the lure of cyber crime that has become common among youths in the country but strive to build a life time career.
She advised the graduating students not to neglect investing in knowledge by pursuing postgraduate studies while expressing optimism that the graduands will in no distant time become job creators especially in this era of entrepreneurship.
According to the Provost, “While you build a flourishing career for yourself and as you step into the wider world, I urge you to always remember that education is the most enduring currency of greatness.
“Keep reflecting on the words of Benjamin Franklin which states that when a man empties his pocket into his head, no one can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge yields the greatest interest” She said.
She however commended the Honourable Minister for Education, Tunji Alausa for his policy initiatives which, she said, contributed greatly to the achievements recorded in the College.
“The impressive strides recorded in this College are closely linked to the far-reaching policy initiatives of the Honourable Minister of Education. The introduction of a performance-based funding model for federal tertiary institutions has propelled federal tertiary institutions toward capacity consolidation and measurable outcomes. Particularly, the phased implementation of the Dual Mandate for Federal Colleges of Education, a transformative policy that is already boosting enrolment and strengthening institutional autonomy.
“I am delighted to inform you that the College commenced degree programmes under the Dual Mandate platform in the 2025/2026 academic session.
“Similarly, the NCCE, under the visionary leadership of the Executive Secretary, has successfully repositioned the framework for the concurrent operation of the National Certificate in Education (NCE) and Degree programmes, ensuring synergy in delivery and strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
“Our College has fully keyed into this national reform to deepen entrepreneurial competencies among our teacher trainees.
“However, Colleges of Education in Nigeria face the challenge of low students’ enrollment. Our College is not an exemption. The commencement of the dual mode programme has renewed our hope for an increased students’ enrollment.
“I therefore implore all stakeholders to support this initiative to address this peculiar challenge.
While appreciating the staff, Alumni association and other friends of the College, the Provost identified poor funding as the major challenge in the institution.
“Despite appreciable progress made in the construction of the first-ever Administrative Building of the College, there is still so much to be done to complete the project. Such a multi-billion naira project needs steady funding to enable the contractor overcome the challenges of price variations in building materials.
“I equally thank our alumni, benefactors, and friends of the College. I assure you that the story of this College is incomplete without your names written in gold letters.
“To our dedicated staff, let us not rest on our oars. A motivated workforce remains the engine of every institution. A motivated staff is a productive staff. Together, we shall continue to build a College that stands as the pride of the nation, and satisfies our yearnings as staff. Our dreams for this College would surely come through. I assure you that the Management of the College would continue to recognize and reward staff productivity” she assured.
Continuing, the Provost also mentioned security as one of the key challenges facing both staff and students of the College.
“Some parents are scared of sending their children to Umunze due to reports of insecurity. It is sad to note that some students decline their admission to this College because of the security challenge in this area. I am proud to say that there has been no worrisome security incident within the campus, but some pockets of unrest outside the College premises are often exaggerated by bloggers and social media users.
“We made repeated appeals to the authorities for the construction of the second access road to this College, connecting the Umuchu Road for easy access to the institution.
“Also, part of the box culvert on the Main Access Road of the College caved-in few weeks ago, thereby putting the safety of the box culvert at grave risk.
“While we tread cautiously along the collapsed area, I appeal to both the state and federal government to consider the construction of a strong bridge on the road, and address the ecological challenge along the road” she appealed.
On his part, Honorable, Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa who was represented by the chairman of the 8th Governing Council FCE(T) Umunze urged the graduating students to enhance their skills as convocation is not the end of their academic journey.
“Do not go to bed yet, I urge you for innovative ideas and do not be stagnant, he urged.
Dignitaries who grace the occasion includes: Hon princes Chinwe Nnabuife (Member Representing Orumba North and South in the Fedral House, Mayor of Oruma South Local Government Area rea, Hon. Shedrack Azubuike, Regent of Umunze, Chief Arinze Onwuzurike among others.
