…Pledges to Uphold Academic Standards and Enhance Student Well-being
By Our Reporter
The Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba on Thursday held its 37th Matriculation ceremony, during which 427 fresh students took their matriculation oath at the School of Business Auditorium.
The Provost, Prof. Josephine Anene-Okeakwa, emphasized the institution’s commitment to strengthening existing structures to improve healthcare delivery and other services that directly impact the well-being of students and staff.
During the ceremony, Prof. Anene-Okeakwa congratulated the new students for securing admission in the face of stiff competition.
She encouraged them to embrace the challenges ahead, noting that overcoming obstacles is essential for discovering personal strengths.
The Provost highlighted the College’s reputation for excellent teaching and mentioned the state-of-the-art ICT Center, recognized as the best Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) center in the region.
Emphasizing the College’s zero-tolerance policy towards vices, Prof. Anene-Okeakwa assured parents of a secure and conducive learning environment.
She affirmed the institution’s commitment to upholding academic standards in line with the regulations set by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) and the Teacher Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
To ensure compliance with established standards, the Provost said that the College’s Management has implemented measures aimed at eliminating practices that compromise academic integrity.
She added that the Quality Assurance Directorate has been strengthened to oversee all activities and ensure adherence to prescribed standards.
Prof. Anene-Okeakwa expressed satisfaction with the progress made by these measures in maintaining the College’s academic excellence and ethical conduct.
She noted that the Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba remains dedicated to providing quality education and fostering a conducive learning environment for its students, adding that the institution’s ongoing efforts to enhance academic standards and promote student well-being reflect its commitment to excellence in education.
“This Directorate provides guidance and support to other departments and units. In addition to conducting regular self-assessment of College Programmes, the Directorate also monitors teaching and reports to management on regular basis.
“Let me assure you at this point that as an Institution, we will continue to strengthen existing structures in terms of healthcare delivery and other services that directly affect the well-being of students and staff alike.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish to underscore the fact that Government is committed to the professionalization of Nigeria. Pursuant to this, we have been at the forefront in implementing policies for effective teacher education by ensuring that our products meet the best standards possible. We further equip them by facilitating their induction and licensing by TRCN.
“This way, thousands of graduates of this College have been inducted into the teaching profession. Those inducted, of course, become recognized as qualified teachers who can practice anywhere in the world,” Prof. Anene-Okeakwa said.
‘To the matriculating students, she added, “I admonish all you to count yourselves fortunate to be offered admission here. Remember that even with the best abilities you can do practically nothing without opportunity. Also note that being ignorant is not so much a shame as being unwilling to learn. Experience tells you what to do; confidence allows you to do it.
“You need not be reminded that, for obvious reasons, the situation of things in the country is such that for every one student admitted into a tertiary institution, there are probably more than ten others who could not gain admission. I strongly admonish you therefore to pursue your programme with all diligence, doggedness, resilience, and dedication. The root of education could be bitter, but the fruit is certainly sweet.
“You are equally urged to eschew deviant and anti-social behaviors such as cultism, hooliganism, burglary, indecent dressing, exam malpractice, sexual assault, etc. Culprits will face penalties as clearly spelt out in your Students Handbook of Information. Be warned that the College has zero-tolerance for any of these vices; there is therefore no hiding place for offenders.
“It is pertinent to stress that in this College, we have a reputation for academic excellence, industrial peace, and harmony. Disruptions of academic calendar by way of lecturers strikes, students’ demonstrations/riots are all alien to us. By the grace of God, College Management has made deliberate efforts to sustain an atmosphere of excellent relations with Students’ Union Government as well as the three staff Unions (COEASU, SSUCOEN, NASU). This is the hallmark of my administration.
“As you join the College Community today, we encourage you to align yourselves with the prevalent atmosphere of peace and harmony, so as not to compromise the reputation and accolades the College has garnered over the years. By so doing, you will not only graduate with flying colours, but you will become illustrious alumni of the College, reputable ambassadors of your families and worthy citizens of this country in the years to come.”
