Hooray! In just a few days, the prestigious Auchi Polytechnic, a cornerstone of higher learning in the South-South region of Nigeria, will proudly celebrate its 61st anniversary in grand style. This milestone marks over six decades of academic excellence, innovation, and community service, reflecting the institution’s enduring commitment to shaping the future of its students and contributing to the nation’s development.
The polytechnic’s primary focus has been on training middle-class manpower—individuals equipped with specialised skills and knowledge necessary for technical and professional roles. This training is instrumental in supporting Nigeria’s economic and social development by providing a steady stream of qualified professionals to meet the demands of the workforce.
Auchi Polytechnic was originally an Edo State-owned institution until it was taken over by the Federal Government in 1994. The institution plays a significant role in enhancing the social and economic well-being of Auchi and the surrounding communities. It has contributed immensely to the improvements in various aspects of community life, including education, employment opportunities, infrastructure, health services, and overall quality of life. Put differently, Auchi Polytechnic plays a major role in fostering growth and improving living standards for residents in Auchi and its neighbouring communities.
Throughout its history, the institution has adapted to educational needs and industry trends, continually updating its curricula and programmes to ensure relevance and quality. Its anniversary marks not just the passage of time but also the institution’s ongoing commitment to excellence in education and its impact on the nation’s workforce.
The institution has been administered by seasoned personnel, hurling the polytechnic to its current enviable status. The following past and present heads of the institution have been instrumental to the growth and transformation since its inception: E.C. Summers (1965-1967 as Principal), S. Greenholf (1967-1969 as Principal), E. Buckley (1969-1972 as Principal), S.O. Egube (1972-1974 as Acting Director), F.I. Ekhaese (1974-1976 as Director), P.O. Igharo (1974-1987 as Principal), E.U. Bazuaye (1987-1989 as Acting Rector).
Others include: Prof. A.K. Yesufu (1989-1998 as Rector), Sir. O.F. Eboreime (1999-2007 as Acting Rector), Sir L.R. Akagboso (2007-2008 as Acting Rector), Dr. (Mrs.) P. O. Idogho (2008-2016 as Rector), Engr. Buraimah Jafaru (2016-2017 as Acting Rector), Tpl. (Dr.) M.S. Jimah (2018-2020 as Rector), Engr. M.A. Zubair (2020-2021 as Acting Rector), Tpl. Al-Hassan Abubakar (2021-2022 as Acting Rector), and Dr. S.S. Umar (2022- date as Rector).
Since assuming office in 2022, Dr. Salisu Umar, the incumbent Rector of Auchi Polytechnic, has significantly transformed the institution, marking a new era of development and excellence. His tenure has been characterised by a proactive approach to leadership and a commitment to enhancing the polytechnic’s infrastructure, academic quality, and community engagement.
Dr. Umar’s leadership style is distinguished by a clear vision for the polytechnic’s future. He has set ambitious goals aimed at positioning Auchi Polytechnic as a leading institution of higher learning in Nigeria. His approach to leadership is both strategic and inclusive, involving various stakeholders in decision making processes to ensure that the changes implemented are comprehensive and well supported.
One of his key focuses has been on improving the physical infrastructure of Auchi Polytechnic. Recognising that modern facilities are crucial for providing quality education, he has overseen substantial upgrades to the institution’s buildings and amenities. These include the construction of new buildings, remodelling of staff and administrative offices, as well as the development of new facilities that cater to the evolving needs of students and the schools. In fact, Auchi Polytechnic is currently a huge construction site!
The Rector has also opened link roads to connect all three campuses, provided broadband Internet services, upgraded Hillside FM Radio, and embarked on the commercial production of concrete kerbs, paints, interlocking tiles, office chairs, tables, benches, and a host of other items, to mention but a few. This initiative is to shore up the revenue base of the institution.
Under Dr. Umar’s leadership, Auchi Polytechnic has seen a marked improvement in academic standards. He has championed curriculum reform to ensure that it aligns with industry standards and the demands of the job market. This has involved updating course content, introducing new programmes, and enhancing the practical aspects of training to better prepare students for their future careers.
These new programmes, are: Welding and Fabrication Technology, Printing Technology, Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Library and Information Science, Taxation, Leisure and Tourism Management Technology, Social Development, Microfinance and Enterprise Development, Computer Engineering Technology, Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Economic and Development Studies, Agricultural Extension and Management and Crop Science. The institution also runs degree programmes, in affiliation with Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and Federal University, Lokoja.
Dr. Umar’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. His dedication to the development of Auchi Polytechnic and his effective leadership have earned him widespread recognition and numerous awards. These accolades reflect the positive impact he has made on the institution and his ability to inspire and lead.
The Rector’s style likely revolves around consistent engagement with key stakeholders—alumni, business leaders, clerics, and government officials —while maintaining open communication channels that ensure everyone feels included in the institution’s vision. Through personal relations or interactions, he has cultivated a community that believes in the institution’s mission and is motivated to invest in its future. These contributions are not mere acts of charity but rather investments in a legacy that Dr. Umar has masterfully created, positioning the institution as a beacon of progress, innovation, and societal development.
In marking the Polytechnic’s 61st anniversary commencing on the 12th of November, several activities have been lined up for the celebration of this sexagenarian. There will be an inter-religious service to herald the week-long series of events, to be followed by an exhibition. Other events include the combined convocation of the 2019/ 2020, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, and 2022/2023 sets. The National Diploma (ND) convocation comes up on Thursday, the 14th, while there will be a convocation lecture on Friday, 15th November. The convocation ceremony of the Higher National Diploma (HND) is slated for Saturday, 16th, by 10 am, with the commissioning of projects earlier in the day.
The convocation exhibition sale and display will showcase various items, including arts, engineering, and iconic works. These sales will afford the graduands, their families, and other attendees to celebrate the occasion while shopping or learning about different offerings.
As we roll out the drums to commemorate the birth of this bastion of knowledge, I heartily congratulate the Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Jonathan Mamu Ayuba, and his members, the indefatigable and innovative Rector, Dr. Salisu Umar and his management team, as well as the staff, students, and alumni of the institution.
I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to the President-General of the Auchi Polytechnic Alumni Association, Ahonsi Charles Imonikhe, and the President of the Auchi Polytechnic Alumni Association, Auchi Branch, Alli Raheem Sengy for their exemplary leadership and efforts within the alumni association, as well as their significant contributions to the growth of the institution.
Odaro, a columnist, lectures in the Department of Mass Communication, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi. He can be reached via: [email protected].
