FROM: JOE EFFIONG, UYO,
The Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, in Akwa Ibom State,  Dr Uduak  Ukekpe has pledged to make the institution the best  in the Nigeria by producing  the best brains whose intellectualism and academical excellence  will be beneficial  to the growth of the country.
Dr Ukekpe said this while playing host to the  president of the second largest  student structure in Africa, National Association Of Polytechnic  Students (NAPS),  Comrade Olalere Benedict  Adetunji and his executives who were on a courtesy visit  to the Polytechnic .
He averred that his mission was to make Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, one of the best institutions in  Nigeria, saying that was  the reason he has over the years built a cordial relationship  between  the management  and students which has made everyone refer to him as a Student friendly  Rector.
According to him;  “There is a proposal for the Sudents Social  Centre to be built for the  effective running of the Student Union  Government  and plans to build a foot to home student hostels , all in a bid to  give the students  the best “.
He stressed  that Federal Polytechnic, Ukana  has made life easy for every student by ensuring  that the only fees they need to pay is  their tuition  fee with very other fee  been taken care of by the institution.
Ukekpe however called for the abolition  of the dichotomy between  the HND and BSc pledging his support  for Student Unionism as it a learning  platform  for leadership.
He further buttress that  in a bid to make the Federal Polytechnic,Ukana, the best ,he has set up a Sports Advisory Committee to ensure that students take part in Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA)
Responding,  the President  of National Association Of Polytechnic Students NAPS Comrade Olalere Adetunji commended  the tenacity and capacity  built by the rector  over the years that has impacted  on the wellbeing  of the Polytechnic.
“When you  praise those who have done well while alive , they would be encouraged  to do more ” he said.
Passing a vote of confidence  Udauk S. Ukekpe ‘s leadership, the NAPS president urged  him to continue  the good works as it is a service to humanity  and for the betterment of the Nigerian Students  as Polytechnic  education  is the bedrock  of technological development in Nigeria which will make the dream of production and use of locally manufactured  products  a reality.
He thanked the Rector  for his love , support  and promotion of student Unionism emphasising  that part of Nigeria ‘s problem  is the lack of experience  on the part of leaders ,especially  experience gained  through student  Unionism.