The Rector, Federal Polytechnic Ukana, Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Eduma Essien, has encouraged students of the institution to report any form of sexual pressure or harassment from lecturers to the management or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Unit of the Polytechnic for appropriate investigation and sanctions.
Essien also cautioned students against engaging in examination malpractices, cultism or any form of antisocial behaviors, adding that the school will not condone any of the vices.
She also charged them to be conversant with the polytechnic’s policies, rules and regulations.
Speaking during the 12th Orientation Exercise for newly admitted students on Tuesday, the rector also stated that the sale of handouts is prohibited in the polytechnic, saying students should only purchase approved textbooks.
Essien assured the students that as long as she remains at the helm of affairs, learning would be made easy in an environment that promotes discipline, safety and academic excellence.
She said, “I encourage you to report any form of sexual pressure from lecturers to the management or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Unit. This institution frowns at the exchange of gifts for marks.
“We also have zero tolerance for cultism and examination malpractice because we want to produce graduates who can confidently defend their certificates anywhere.”
The rector explained that students of the polytechnic would not only graduate with academic certificates but acquire practical skills through the institution’s mandatory skills acquisition programme.
According to her, the world is increasingly focused on what individuals can offer to society.
Essien equally encouraged the students to cooperate with their lecturers by diligently carrying out their assignments to make teaching and learning effective and rewarding.
The orientation exercise also featured resource persons who delivered lectures on various aspects of the polytechnic system. They include the Registrar, Mr Idhigu Lucky, the Bursar, Sir Emmanuel Esomonu, the Polytechnic Librarian, Mr Ehikioya Uduebor, among others.
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