The Rector, Sanusi Waziri Gumau, disclosed that the polytechnic introduced degree programmes in affiliation with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, (ATBU), Bauchi.
Gumau was addressing the students during the matriculation ceremony held at the 501 Hall of the polytechnic, on Friday.
“When I assumed office as the sixth substantive Rector of the Polytechnic, I nursed the idea of expanding our tentacles in line with the fulfilmentof our mission of achieving global competitiveness in technological training, through the provision of capable human resources, infrastructural facilities and participate in national and international linkages,” he said
“Words will always fail me, in acknowledging the big-brother role the ATBU played and is still playing, in fast tracking the processes leading to the successful realisation of our affiliation with it,” the rector said.
He assured that the polytechnic will always fulfill its part of the bargain in “this academic romance,” as it is equipped with adequate equipment, manpower and laboratories for training of degree students.
“The new Polytechnic Act empowers us to provide full and part-time courses of instruction and training to produce not only middle level, but also high level manpower in technology, applied science, commerce, management and other fields that are relevant to the development of Nigeria,” Gumau said.
Vice-Chancellor of ATBU, Professor Muhammadu Ahmed Abdulazeez, who was represented by Professor Mansur Usman Malunfashi, said the university has no cause to be disappointed in the affiliation with polytechnic.
“As the tradition demands, we are here today to perform this matriculation as pre- requisite function in order to formally admit you into the main stream of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Community.
“Let me therefore congratulate you for this special opportunity. You can only appreciate the special chance you have when you consider the great number of qualified persons like you who are unable to secure admission and get registered into a University,” the VC said.
Abdulazeez warned the new students against vices, saying, “Anti-social behaviors such as cultism, examination mal-practice, sexual harassment, drug abuse, indecent dressing, vandalism and truancy are prohibited.
“Our duty here is not only to give you access to knowledge, but also to help in molding your character so that you become responsible citizens of our nation.
“Those who are too arrogant to conform will be shown the way out. ATBU and Federal Polytechnic Bauchi has something in common, zero tolerance ‘to all form social vices”.
A breakdown of the figure showed that 108 students from the Faculty of Engineering and 132 from the Faculty of Environmental Technology matriculated for the first set of degree programs introduced by the polytechnic.
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