By Eseoghene Emuke
The new Rector of the Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, says his administration will vigorously pursue the infrastructural development of the institution.
To this effect, he said the polytechnic will partner foreign and local developmental agencies including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to address the infrastructural needs of the school.
Ufuophu-Biri, a professor of Mass Communication and Journalism, spoke during his official resumption and welcoming ceremony by staff and students of the institution at the Chief James Onanefe Ibori Auditorium on Wednesday.
The Rector, while promising that his administration will also prioritise staff and students welfare, noted that he would sustain and build the achievements of his predecessors in development of the institution.
He, however, warned that his administration will not tolerate indiscipline.
Speaking on plans to develop the school, Ufuophu-Biri disclosed that he had been receiving assurances from foreign development agencies in the area of partnership towards placing the institution as one of the best in Africa.
He further stated that he would also reach out and partner with the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to assist with more structures.
“I actually wish to establish a directorate or a centre for international outreach and interaction where staff and students can meet with people from outside and within Nigeria to expand the horizon.
“I want to make this institution to be very internet-oriented, where we can have digital learning, digital administration and digital interaction. The institution already has a vision. That vision is to train graduates on digital technology and to contribute to the manpower development of the state.
“Mine is to expand on that so that we produce graduates who can stand the test of time. Graduates who are self-reliant, who may not depend on paid job, and if they have to go for paid jobs, who will be the taste of employers; that employers will compete and struggle for.
“We will also wish to maintain and improve upon the good community relations and maintain good relationship with regulatory bodies such as the NBT, TETFUND and JAMB. And work closely and productively with grant-giving bodies such as the TETFUND.
“I am an alumni of the IVLP. They render help, they have already made promises. I will try to explore the promises made through the American Government and through the SANTADA Bank which I’m an alumni of the Bran University International Advance Research Institute in Providence Rhodes Island. They should be happy that one of their pioneer alumni is a rector.
“I know the university I am from there have been intervention majors and projects from agencies such as NDDC and DESOPADEC. There are places where individuals have also rendered assistance. We will explore all these and we should come out a bit better off. But all this will be a team work”, Prof Ufuophu-Biri noted.
