EMEKA OKAFOR, UMUAHIA
Rector Ihiechukwu Madubuike College of Technology, (IMIT) Nkwoagu -Amuda Isuochi in Umunnochi Local Government Area of Abia State, Dr Benjamin Ezeali has recounted how the insecurity challenge that confrontedad the area prevented prospective students that were admitted through the 2023/2024 Joint Admission Matriculation Board, examination abandoned the admiisiion offer .
IMIT had on January ,2021 received approval from both the Federal Ministry of Education and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to operate as Polytechnic in the Country
Recounting the journey so far, Dr Ezeali who is the poineeer rector of the instruction disclosed that the journey had not been an easy challenge especially during the poineeering stage.
Fielding questions from journalists after the 4th Matriculation ceremony at the Polytechnic Matriculation Ground, Dr Ezeali said the institution was established and being run as a Humanitarian project to address the shortage of trained Technical Engineers in National and Higher National Diploma Certificates.
“It has not been an easy journey in meeting these commitment due to the enormous efforts by the Visitor to the institution and former Minister of Education, Professor emeritus Ihechukwu Chiedozie Madubuike whose vision is for the institution to produce technically skilled graduates and to promote technological develolment.
” I see the institution as humanitarian project, if not, he would have situated it in Abuja or Umuahia but decided to locate it in Ummunochi, his home town which would be beneficial to youths of the area who are desirous to acquire technical skills and education .
” The population of the poineeer students would have been more than what we are having today if not for the recent security challenges within the Lopkanta Cattle market that made some parents turn down the admission offerred thier wards during the 2023/2024 admission year.
According to the rector, though the institution is yet to meet the 2024/2025 JAMB admission quota while expressed optimism that with the dislodgement of criminal elements through the prompt intervention of Governor Alex Otti in restoring security , a move that would restore confidence in the minds of parents on the safety of their children iwhen offered admission to acquire technical education in the institution
He attributed the success so far recorded by the institution to the unweaving commitment of the Proprietor and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Professor emeritus Ihechukwu Madubuike for proper funding of the institution for the take off of the HND programs as well as provision of well equipped laboratories that would empower practical skills and technical education.
Earlier in his address at matriculation ground, Dr Ezeali thanked NBTE for granting full accreditation to all the College programs during the 2023 accreditation exercise,”This is a great achievement in making IMIT a global citadel of learning”
He congratulated the newly admitted students for their acceptance to undergo and achieve thier technical education through the institution while cautioned them to refrain from anti social activities or acts capable of tarnishing the image and interegrity of the institution.
Dr Ezeali disclosed that with the lastest approval from NTBE, the institution is offering HND programs in Courses in Electrical/Electronics Engineering with options in Electronics /Telecommunications,Power and Machines among other.
The highlight of the event was the admistration of the Matriculation oath on the new students by Registrar of the Institution, Okoro Blessing Chidinma