Federal Polytechnic Ukana Deepens Community Partnership as Rector Reaffirms Commitment to Local Development and Skills Empowerment

The Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, has reaffirmed its commitment to community development, youth empowerment, and economic growth in Essien Udim and across Akwa Ibom State, as the institution continues to expand its academic and skills-based programmes.

The Rector of the Polytechnic, Mrs. Edumma Enobong Essien, made this known during a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Council, Hon. Ntiedo Usoro, at the Council Secretariat in Afaha Ikot Ebak. The visit formed part of the institution’s efforts to strengthen collaboration with its host community and promote sustainable development through education and innovation.

During the meeting, the Rector commended the Council Chairman for his leadership and efforts in maintaining peace and security within the local government area. She noted that a stable and secure environment remains vital to effective teaching, learning, and overall institutional growth. According to her, the management team visited to formally brief the local government on the steady progress of the Polytechnic and to explore deeper partnerships that would benefit both the institution and the host communities.

Mrs. Essien disclosed that the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, has secured full accreditation for 21 academic programmes, alongside approval for 14 skill-based courses designed to enhance employability and entrepreneurship. She emphasized that the institution is committed to producing graduates who are not only academically qualified but also equipped with practical skills, innovation capacity, and self-reliance needed in today’s competitive economy.

The Rector appealed for sustained support from the Essien Udim Local Government Council, particularly in the areas of peace promotion and youth development. She encouraged the Council to sponsor young people from the area to benefit from the Polytechnic’s skills acquisition programmes, many of which come with internationally recognised certifications that can improve access to employment, business opportunities, and global mobility.

In his response, Hon. Ntiedo Usoro applauded the Rector and her management team for their clear vision and commitment to institutional and community development. He acknowledged the role of Senator Godswill Akpabio in facilitating the establishment of the Polytechnic in Essien Udim and expressed satisfaction that the institution is fulfilling its mandate as a centre for technical education and human capital development.

The Council Chairman pledged the full support and partnership of the local government, while advising the Polytechnic management to continue to uphold fairness, transparency, and justice in the distribution of opportunities in order to sustain peace and goodwill within the host communities.

The visit concluded with the presentation of Polysoft tissue paper, a locally produced product of the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, to the Council Chairman, highlighting the institution’s growing capacity for practical innovation, local manufacturing, and community-oriented solutions.

The visit underscores the Polytechnic’s strategic focus on accreditation, skills training, community engagement, and economic empowerment, positioning Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, as a key driver of development in Akwa Ibom State and beyond.