The Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Mrs Eduma Enobong Essien, has declared a zero-tolerance policy for academic misconduct at the institution. She warned staff against examination malpractice, sorting, sale of grades, and sexual harassment. Essien emphasized that the integrity of the Polytechnic's academic system is non-negotiable and must not be compromised by sharp practices. She made this statement during a courtesy visit by the newly elected executive of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Federal Polytechnic, Ukana.
Essien charged academic staff to uphold professionalism, discipline, research, and hard work, stressing that their contributions are crucial to positioning the Polytechnic among leading institutions in the country. She congratulated the new ASUP leadership on their peaceful and mature election, assuring the union of management's readiness to work with ASUP and other staff unions to advance the academic fortunes of the institution. The Rector also disclosed that the institution will soon commence digital academic operations, including the use of Blackboard.
The Rector urged members of staff to improve their Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills to enable them to participate effectively in the institution's digital transformation. She also warned that staff found culpable of academic misconduct will face severe sanctions, while offenders involved in sexual harassment will be subjected to appropriate disciplinary measures. Essien emphasized that there will be no room for sorting, sale of grades, examination malpractice, or sexual harassment in Federal Polytechnic, Ukana.
The ASUP Chairman, Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Comrade Ademola Oyebanji, expressed appreciation for the Rector's leadership and efforts, particularly the expansion of academic programmes in the institution. Oyebanji said the courtesy visit was to reaffirm the union's commitment to supporting genuine programmes and initiatives of management to improve the Polytechnic. He pledged the readiness of the union to collaborate with management to position the institution more favourably among polytechnics in Nigeria.
The new ASUP executive comprises Comrade Ademola Oyebanji, Chairman; Comrade Boma Aaron, Vice Chairman; Comrade Olulu Robinson, General Secretary; Comrade Mfon Esang, Assistant General Secretary; Comrade Tobby Ubong, Treasurer; Comrade Eduediuyai Dan, Financial Secretary; Comrade Imo Thomas, Internal Auditor; Comrade Moffat Ndifreke, Welfare Secretary; and Comrade Ukeme Udoikut, Publicity Secretary. The Polytechnic Librarian, Mr Ehikioya Uduebor, was also present during the courtesy visit.
Dr Emmanuel Obinna Esomonu thanked the new ASUP leadership for its commitment to working with management, saying stronger collaboration between the union and management would benefit the institution. Esomonu also congratulated the new executives on their successful election and assured staff of management's commitment to initiatives and welfare schemes aimed at improving their wellbeing. The Rector also mentioned that the recent recruitment exercise was merit-based and urged ASUP to continue to promote merit in its activities.
Essien's efforts aim to reposition Federal Polytechnic, Ukana for greater functionality, with a focus on research, discipline, and digital skills. The institution's commitment to digital transformation and zero tolerance for academic misconduct reflects its determination to become a leading institution in Nigeria. The collaboration between management and ASUP is expected to drive progress and improve the Polytechnic's academic fortunes.
Key points
- Federal Polytechnic, Ukana has a zero-tolerance policy for academic misconduct.
- The institution will introduce digital academic operations, including Blackboard.
- The Rector urged staff to improve their ICT skills for effective participation in digital transformation.
