By Jimmy Jackson
The accreditation team from the National Board for Technical Education has vowed not to compromise standards during its assessment and resource inspection of 19 academic programmes at the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, located in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The team, led by the Director of Programmes, Department for Polytechnics, Dr. Fatima Umar, made this known on Wednesday, 7th May, 2025 during the inspection visit.
“Let me commend the Rector for her efforts. We are here to evaluate the institution’s readiness regarding the 19 programmes. While we will assess with empathy, we will not compromise on standards for the benefit of Nigerian students,” Umar said.
She added that the team would thoroughly review all aspects of the programmes to ensure they meet long-term educational standards and urged the institution to be transparent so the board could offer appropriate guidance.
In her welcome address, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Mrs. Eduma Enobong Essien, expressed gratitude to the NBTE and its Executive Secretary for the opportunity to present the institution’s programmes for accreditation.
“I thank God that within three months of assuming office as Rector, we have been able to present 19 programmes for accreditation. I also thank the Executive Secretary for granting us this visit — he has done so much,” she said.
Essien expressed optimism that all the programmes would be approved, noting the institution’s preparedness in line with NBTE guidelines.
“We are presenting six programmes for full accreditation and 13 for resource inspection. We are fully prepared, we have the equipment, manpower, and infrastructure. We also appreciate the government’s support, without which the institution would not be where it is today,” she added.
The South-South Zonal Director of NBTE, Mr. Cyril Ebong, also spoke during the visit, describing the institution as fortunate to be among the few selected for the final round of physical accreditation.
“You are very lucky to be among the four institutions chosen for this last physical accreditation exercise. Starting next month, accreditation will be outsourced and done digitally,” he noted.
