…Rector applauds gesture, reaffirms FEPO’s commitment to meritocracy, innovation, and academic excellence

By Success Okuchemiya

In a show of communal pride and recognition of academic excellence of Federal Polytechnic Orogun, Delta State, the Onotu-Uku of Orogun Kingdom, Chief Do-Good Efenogo, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, honoured the Polytechnic’s victorious students who recently clinched first place in a national engineering competition organized by the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers, a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

The brief but colourful ceremony, held at the Rector’s office, was attended by top management staff, including the Registrar, Mrs. Christine Aluyi, the Bursar, Mrs. Pamela Edwin, and the Polytechnic Librarian, Prof. Edwin Achugbue, alongside a high-powered delegation comprising Chief Aganbi John, Secretary of the Orogun Traditional Council of Chiefs, and Mr. George Omunu (CSP), the Divisional Police Officer of Orogun Command.

Speaking during the event, the Rector, Prof. Duke Okoro, warmly welcomed the visiting delegation and lauded Chief Efenogo’s benevolent gesture, describing it as “a shining example of how true sons of Orogun Kingdom continue to uphold the values of excellence, meritocracy, and community advancement.” The Rector described the visit as “a reaffirmation of the bond between town and gown” and commended Chief Do-Good for identifying with the Polytechnic’s vision of celebrating merit and rewarding excellence.

“At Federal Polytechnic Orogun, we celebrate performance, we reward hard work, and we nurture innovation,” the Rector declared. “Chief Do-Good’s act of generosity perfectly aligns with our institution’s core values.

“Chief Do-Good has once again proven to be a true son of Orogun Kingdom,” Prof. Okoro said with enthusiasm. “His gesture today is more than a donation – it is a statement that the community stands firmly behind its citadel of learning. At Federal Polytechnic Orogun, we are guided by one of our core values – meritocracy. We reward performance, innovation, and discipline, because these are the pillars upon which greatness is built.”

The Rector recalled how the students – Mr. Siemur Ohwavweoriete of Electrical/Electronic Engineering and Mr. Oyibocha Goodluck of Mechanical Engineering – defeated their counterparts from the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) and the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE) at a national engineering quiz competition in Warri. He noted that the Polytechnic had earlier granted the duo full tuition scholarships and cash rewards on behalf of the Governing Council, in recognition of their outstanding performance.

“Our students’ achievements continue to position FEPO as a rising force in Nigeria’s higher education landscape,” Prof. Okoro remarked. “When institutions cultivate excellence, the community naturally responds with support, and today’s event exemplifies that synergy.”

Presenting the students to the guests, the Dean, School of Engineering, Engr. Clifford Ogheneme, narrated how the Polytechnic was invited to the competition and how the best-performing students were selected to represent the institution. He commended the Rector for promptly approving their participation and for continuously motivating the staff and students to strive for excellence.

In her remarks, the Registrar, Mrs. Christine Aluyi, described the moment as “a proud reflection of FEPO’s steady rise as an institution where brilliance is nurtured, and every achievement is celebrated.” She applauded the students’ discipline and the Engineering School’s commitment to hands-on training that blends theory with practice, describing them as “ambassadors of the institution’s growing legacy.”

On his part, the Polytechnic Librarian, Prof. Achugbue Edwin, praised the Rector’s visionary leadership and the management’s unwavering support for academic excellence. “What we are witnessing today is the fruit of an academic environment that inspires creativity and rewards distinction” Prof. Achugbue stated. The success of these students is a mirror of FEPO’s strong academic culture, noting that FEPO’s commitment to practical, hands-on learning has begun to yield remarkable results.” he said.

In his response, Chief Do-Good Efenogo expressed admiration for the Rector’s leadership and the institution’s rapid progress within just two years of establishment. He applauded the Polytechnic’s vision of rewarding excellence and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the institution’s growth.

“I am proud of what this Polytechnic has achieved in such a short time,” Chief Do-Good said. “These young men have made Orogun proud, and it is only right that we honour them. The Rector and his team are building a legacy of excellence, and we will continue to stand by them.”

Chief Do-Good presented ₦100,000 each to the two victorious students and an additional ₦100,000 to the School of Engineering, commending the Dean, Engr. Clifford Ogheneme, for his mentorship and supervision of the students.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, Mr. Siemur Ohwavweoriete expressed heartfelt appreciation to Chief Efenogo for recognizing their effort and to the Polytechnic management for providing the platform that enabled their success.

“We are humbled and motivated by this recognition,” Ohwavweoriete said. “This recognition has motivated us to aim higher and continue to uphold the Polytechnic’s motto – Innovate and Be Great.”

“The Rector’s encouragement and the support from the community have shown us that hard work truly pays off. We promise to continue representing the Polytechnic and Orogun Kingdom with pride and excellence.”

Delivering the vote of thanks, Chief Aganbi John, Secretary of the Orogun Traditional Council of Chiefs, lauded the Rector and his management team for transforming the institution within a short period, promising to promote the ideals and achievements of the Polytechnic at the Orogun Council of Chiefs meetings, assuring that the community will continue to champion the institution’s progress.

The event concluded with a resounding applause, as guests praised the Federal Polytechnic Orogun for fostering a culture of innovation, integrity, and community partnership, qualities fast establishing it as one of Nigeria’s emerging centres of excellence.