By Jennifer John
The Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has tasked the presidential visitation panel on Federal Polytechnic Nekede, led by Prof. Stephen Ocheni to be creative and ensure creation of employment.
Uzodimma threw the challenge at the panel on Tuesday when the members paid him a courtesy call at Government House Owerri.
He urged the team to take into consideration whatever will strengthen the school and make it one of the best in the country in terms of creativity and job creation, while promising that government will do what is humanly possible to ensure that the Rector succeeds in his assignment.
The Governor asked him to take advantage of federal government’s intervention through TETFUND and other funding platforms to develop the institution.
Earlier, Professor Ocheni informed the Governor that the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the visitation panel included, among others; examining the relationship between the institution and the various statutory bodies it had interactions with.
Ocheni said they would also examine the quality of leadership in the institution, in terms of the role of the Governing Board, the Head of the institution, and other principal officers, in addition to examining the financial management of the institution, over the recommended period, and determine whether it was in compliance with appropriate regulations.
Prof. Ocheni noted that while in Imo State, the panel will also examine all the academic programmes, policies, and practices, as well as the total academic and physical development, performance, and direction of the institution and advise as to whether the desired targets have been met.
“The panel will also investigate the application of funds, particularly, the special grants and loans meant for particular projects, in order to determine the status of such projects and their relevance for further funding.”
