The indefatigable Rector of the Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi Uku, Bldr Prof. Emmanuel Achuenu, has reeled out his several monumental achievements that have boosted the morale of staff, repositioned the institution and given it a pride of place in the community of tertiary institutions in the country, since he assumed office barely four years ago.
Prof. Achuenu, who was appointed in July 2021, while interacting with the press said it has been a period of progress, sustained vision and pragmatic leadership that have culminated in infrastructural development, digitalization of the school’s operations, making learning and access to information and other facilities hitch free.
Prof. Achuenu said that since his appointment as the substantive Rector of the institution, he has been busy working on agenda with new innovations, resuscitating moribund projects and bringing new ones on board.
Prof. Achuenu declared his commitment to make a difference and reaffirmed his preparedness to work relentlessly to change the narrative of the higher institution in the positive direction. He said, he had come to serve, strengthen academic excellence, rebuild trust, build infrastructure and restore the dignity and pride of the Ogwashi Uku Poly.
He disclosed that the early days of his administration were challenging but were inspiring. Prof. Achuenu said his success, resilience and creative instincts added to the immense potential in the institution, which kept him going and enabled him to record early success.
The Rector said he has paid attention to human resource development and staff welfare, which he noted had added impetus to smooth administration of the Polytechnic, adding that he has demonstrated deep commitment to create a motivated, productive and inclusive workforce in the Polytechnic, stressing that he has also prioritized academic reinvention and programme development.
His administration, according to him, has initiated far-reaching reforms aimed at redefining the institution’s academic trajectory, disclosing that he has come up with several novel academic programmes to expand the academic horizons of the Polytechnic.
“My administration has taken bold reforms that have succeeded in fostering discipline, anti-cultism and security, academic integrity, cordial relationship with stakeholders, financial transformation, infrastructure development, among others.”
Achuenu’s leadership has wiped off the conventional norms and stereotypes that have often defined leadership roles in this clime. The Building guru, Prof. Achuenu has had a distinguished academic journey that makes him eminently qualified for his role. With a Ph.D. in Construction Management (2000) plus other executive and management programmes attended in the course of his career, Achuenu’s academic qualifications, research achievements and leadership experiences have prepared him for this job at Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku.
It is to the proactiveness of Bldr Prof Achuenu and his management team, that all the programmes run by the institution have been fully accredited by the National Board for Technical Education ( NBTE). In addition, DSPG also secured approval to establish the School of Environmental Sciences from NBTE, to run courses in ND Building Technology, ND Architecture, while further securing full accreditation in ND Urban and Regional Planning as well as ND Estate Management. Also securing NBTE,s nod are HND Agricultural and Bio Environmental Engineering Technology ( Farm ,Power and Machinery option), HND Civil Engineering Technology , ND Cooperative Economics and Management , ND Social Development and ND Crime Management , respectively.
Delta State Polytechnic,Ogwashi Uku provides an enriching learning environment that fosters innovation, critical thinking and collaborative opportunities, empowering students to thrive academically and personally. The Distance & Online Learning, Part-Time and Entrepreneurship development centre products of the Polytechnic can compete favourably with any product across the globe and the students are encouraged to acquire different skills. The institute of ICT centre is among the best in Nigeria Polytechnics today. Some of uncompleted infrastructure and buildings met by the Rector are currently undergoing renovation with provision of infrastructures.
Prof. Emmanuel Achuenu’s leadership will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of Nigerian leaders, scholars, and professionals. His unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation and community service continues to set the standard for higher education in Nigeria and across Africa. It is therefore obvious that his first tenure in the office as rector will represent a significant milestone in the transformation of Nigeria’s tertiary education.
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