Official Says Ekowe Polytechnic Growing Despite Challenges

An official at the Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, Bayelsa, has acknowledged the growth experienced by the institution in the face of challenging terrain.

Steve Otobo, a principal officer and bursar at the institution, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview on Thursday about the progress experienced within one year under a new administration led by Dr Lukman Agbabiaka, the current rector.

According to Otobo, the oil and gas-focused polytechnic has seen a major shift in recent years, reversing the trend of parents sending their children to schools in neighbouring states.

Otobo noted that the polytechnic, located in the oil-rich Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa, under the leadership of Agbabiaka has made efforts to create a better learning environment for staff and students.

According to the Bursar, the efforts include purchasing large passenger boats to transport students and staff from Angiama to Ekowe and refurbishing previously unusable vehicles.

He added that the Rector also introduced solar-powered inverters to provide uninterrupted power supply, as well as furnished the institution's laboratories.

“The Ekowe Polytechnic is gradually being transformed to meet the vision of the Federal Government to bring technical education to the creeks and provide requisite skills to the youth in oil communities.

“Unlike before when students preferred to go outside, we have seen the student population grow in leaps and bounds and the polytechnic is now a preferred choice for students seeking admission,” he added.

Otobo praised Agbabiaka's prudent management of resources, which has allowed the polytechnic to make important renovations to facilities.

The officer expressed optimism that the completion of the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubiye road would make the polytechnic's road more accessible and ease the current difficulties of boat transportation.

The ongoing road project has already reduced travel time from the neighbouring community of Angiama to Ekowe where the polytechnic is located.