No fewer than 5,507 newly admitted students have been matriculated into the various courses for National Diploma and Higher National Diploma by the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, for 2023/2024 academic session.

The event, which was held onTuesday at the Convocation square of the Polytechnic, saw the students formally integrated into the Polytechnic community, after an oath was administered to them by Barrister Umar Wunti.

While speaking at the matriculation ceremony, the Rector, Alhaji Sani Usman, disclosed that there were 7,917 applicants who sought entry into the Polytechnic but only 6,843 were successful and offered admissions.

According to him, “Out of the 7, 917 applications for admission received by the Polytechnic, we admitted 6, 843, but only 5, 507 registered and they are the lucky ones we are matriculating today. The distribution of the matriculants is as thus: 2, 732 Higher National Diploma (HND) and 2, 775 National Diploma (ND).”

Sani Usman then urged the students to see the Polytechnic as their new home of knowledge, growth, and endless possibilities, assuring them that the management is committed to providing them with the support and resources they need to excel in their academic pursuits.

He expressed gratitude to parents and guardians who have entrusted them with the education and well-being of their children, stating to them that their unwavering support and encouragement are invaluable, “and we promise to nurture and guide these young minds with the same care and dedication as you would expect.”

The Rector also challenged the students as they stand on the threshold of this new chapter in their lives, urging them to pause and reflect on the journey that lies ahead. 

“You have been granted a precious opportunity to pursue knowledge and enlightenment, a privilege that millions can only dream of; I implore you to cherish this opportunity and guard your studentship jealously,” he said.

He however warned the students to desist from engaging in social vices such as cultism, indecent dressing, drug abuse among others. 

“Let gratitude be your guiding light as you navigate the challenges and triumphs of academic life. However, as you embark on this journey, I must caution you against the pitfalls that might threaten to derail your path to success.

“Corruption, indecent dressing, examination misconduct, drug abuse, and cultism are scourges that have no place within the walls of this Polytechnic.

“I urge you to uphold the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and moral values. Let honesty be your compass, and let your actions be guided by the principles of righteousness and fairness. Remember that your choices not only reflect upon yourselves but also upon the reputation of this esteemed Institution,” he said.

According to Sani Usman, in the management’s relentless pursuit of excellence, it has implemented several initiatives to enhance the learning and teaching atmosphere within Federal Polytechnic Bauchi.

He said that those initiatives include the near completion of several essential infrastructure projects that will greatly enhance the Polytchnic’s facilities. 

“These include the Science Laboratory Technology Complex, the Polytechnic Central Store, and the TETFund Centre of Excellence for Integrated Farming System building. These projects signify our commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities to support teaching, learning, and research activities,” he added.

“Many of you would not fail to notice the campus road network that we have started and completed, stretching from the School of Environmental Technology building through staff quarters “A” and “B”, to the Polycon Head Office and the Polytechnic’s Second Gate.

“This road network not only improves connectivity within the campus but also enhances accessibility for students, staff, and visitors,” he stated.

The Rector informed that in addition to these completed projects, the management is also making significant progress on ongoing initiatives added  that the completion of the construction of School of Environmental Technology building and the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics building are well underway, which are further expanding infrastructure to meet the growing needs of the institution’s academic programmes and research endeavours.

In his opening remarks, the Acting Registrar of the institution, Mal. Abdullahi Garba, said that the students were taken through a one-week intensive orientation exercise to acquaint them with the rules and regulations of the institution and all they need to know on how to go about their stay in the campus.

He called on the students to be upright and respect the dress code of the institution just as added that: “Lecturers must ensure compliance to the dress code of the institution in their classes because this is the only way we can have good and upright students who will graduate.”