After eleven years of waiting, the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana in Akwa Ibom State is finally preparing for its maiden convocation ceremony. This landmark announcement marks a turning point for the institution, which has navigated over a decade of growth since its establishment. The Rector, Mrs. Eduma Essien, shared the news during her one-year anniversary celebration held this Monday at the school’s auditorium, sparking excitement among current and former students alike.
Beyond the upcoming graduation festivities, the institution has seen a rapid acceleration in its academic standing. The Rector successfully secured accreditation for 21 academic programmes within just her first three months in office. This momentum is set to continue, with plans already in motion to accredit 25 additional programmes across 13 National Diploma and 12 Higher National Diploma levels. The polytechnic is also diversifying its offerings, having received the green light to operate as a specialized skills training center for trades such as fashion design, paint making, and leather works.
The physical landscape of the campus is equally undergoing a transformation. Mrs. Essien noted that her administration is working tirelessly to close the infrastructural gap, with several projects funded by TETFund currently nearing completion. She credited these successes to the healthy working relationship between the management and the various staff unions, promising that the remainder of her tenure would bring even more substantial upgrades to the school’s facilities.
Political and educational leaders have been quick to take notice of the progress at Ukana. Honorable Patrick Umoh, representing the Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency, praised the Rector’s leadership during the anniversary event. To support the institution’s growth, he pledged to facilitate a 300 million Naira project allocation specifically for building new classroom blocks, a move intended to boost the quality of teaching and learning on campus.
Adding to the commendations, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh, noted that the Rector’s vision fits perfectly within the broader educational goals of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda. The Commissioner also encouraged the student body to utilize the NELFund loan scheme, emphasizing that such financial tools are essential for easing the burden of tuition and ensuring that no student is left behind due to a lack of funds.
