The Presidential Visitation Panel on Federal Polytechnic Nekede, led by Prof. Stephen Ocheni has been told to make the institution creative and a source of employment creation.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State threw the challenge at the panel on Tuesday when the members paid him a courtesy call at Government House Owerri.

Uzodimma 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 the 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 include, among others; examining the relationship between the institution and the various statutory bodies it had interactions with.

Prof. 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.

Besides, 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,” he said.

He also added that the panel would advise as to whether the correct training was being given and how necessary corrections might be made, among others.

•PHOTO: Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma (left) exchanges pleasantries with the Chairman Presidential Panel of Visitation for Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Prof Steve Ocheni (2nd right) while the Rector Dr. Engr Michael Arimanwa (right) watches when they paid a courtesy call on the Governor at Government House, Owerri . . . Tuesday

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