AUCHI – The Rector of Auchi Polytechnic, Dr. Shehu S. Umar has said that over 230 of its teaching staff now has Masters and PhD degrees with half of the number sponsored by the polytechnic under his watch.
Dr Umar disclosed this while speaking with journalists in his office while highlighting his achievements so far as rector.
He further stated that the Polytechnic had less than 60 programmes which has now been increased to 96 programmes with additional new schools in the polytechnic.
The Rector said the Polytechnic’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) was basically based on student’s enrollment, hence, he decided to establish revenue generating projects such as the Polytechnic’s Micro finance bank; the remodeling of the institution’s guest house Into viable PPP initiatives.
Others he said were the pure water and bread bakery factories; paint and blocks industries; Printing press; Welding and fabrication; Mechanic and automobile workshop equipped for commercial viability, all of which hay tremendously inproved the IGR of the Polytechnic.
Dr Umar whose tenure expires in February 2027, used the opportunity to thank and appreciate the management, staff and students of the Polytechnic for their unwavering support and cooperation.
He equally thanked the host communities and its envious for the peaceful coexistence between the school, staff and students. “I want to say I have virtually lived my life in Auchi first as a youth corper, then as a staff and now as a rector of the Polytechnic, because of the good relationship, our highly respected traditional ruler, HRH Alhaji H. A. Momoh, Ikelebe II, the Otaru of Auchi Sacred Kingdom graciously given me the title of Giwa of Auchi Sacred Kingdom”, he added.
Dr Umar who has well over 80 verifiable projects however listed some of his achievements as, the Establishment of Micro Finance Bank; Construction of 1.1km road linking campus 2 and 3 for the safety of students; establishment of National Skills Qualification (NSQ) with well equipped materials.
He also listed the historic launching and commencement of the Open, Distance and Flexible E-learning centre; additional 10 degrees programmes in affiliation with Federal University Lokoja; creation of students portal for results and ID cards registration; construction of 250 twin capacity lecture theatre and computer laboratories; construction of 250 twin computer e-learning centre; remodeling of the school of ICT and sponsorship of over 150 staff for their Masters and PhDs for staff development among others.
The rector also advised future rectors of the Polytechnic to cultivate the habit of a team play for the overall development of the institution.
“My reaching out to individuals has really helped in the construction of major projects in the school such as the Apostle Johnson Suleiman E-learning centre; Auchi Polytechnic Ultra modern Laundry and Dr Ebenezer Onyeagwu Ultra modern lecture theatre.