The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Federal Polytechnic Orogun (FEPO) Chapter, has commended the Council of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology (COHEADS) for appointing the Rector of the institution, Professor Duke Okoro, as its sole representative on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Committee on the integration of skills and critical thinking into the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The union described the appointment as a significant recognition of Professor Okoro’s leadership qualities, professional competence and commitment to the advancement of Polytechnic education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Nigeria.
In an appreciation letter signed by its Chairman, Comrade Dr. John Odjuvwuerie Atake, on behalf of the Executive Committee and members, ASUP-FEPO expressed gratitude to the leadership of COHEADS for the confidence reposed in the Rector.
The union specifically acknowledged the Chairman of COHEADS and Rector of Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi, Dr. Sani Usman Tunga, as well as the Secretary-General, Mas’ud Eledu, fnim, fcsn, for the recognition accorded Professor Okoro.
According to ASUP-FEPO, the nomination of Okoro as COHEADS’ sole representative on the strategic JAMB committee is a well-deserved acknowledgement of his experience, expertise and contributions to the development of Polytechnic education.
The union said the appointment transcended an individual honour, noting that it had also placed Federal Polytechnic Orogun on a national platform where critical questions concerning skills development, critical thinking and tertiary education would be examined.
ASUP-FEPO noted that the mandate of the JAMB committee was particularly significant at a time when the Nigerian education system was seeking more effective ways of assessing practical skills, analytical abilities and critical-thinking competencies among prospective tertiary institution students.
The union expressed confidence that Professor Okoro would deploy his wealth of experience and knowledge of the Polytechnic sector to make meaningful contributions to the committee’s deliberations and objectives.
It also assured COHEADS of its support for the Rector as he undertakes the national assignment, expressing optimism that his participation would further promote the interests of Polytechnic education and enhance the sector’s contribution to national development.
ASUP-FEPO reiterated its appreciation to the COHEADS leadership for the confidence placed in Professor Okoro, describing the recognition as a source of pride to the management, staff and entire community of Federal Polytechnic Orogun.
The union congratulated the Rector on his appointment and wished him success in representing COHEADS on the JAMB committee.
The appreciation letter was signed by Comrade Dr. John Odjuvwuerie Atake, Chairman, ASUP-FEPO Chapter, Federal Polytechnic Orogun.
