Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic Hosts NBTE Team for Resources Inspection and Programme Re-accreditation

In a significant step toward maintaining and enhancing academic quality, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic (AKWAPOLY) in Ikot Osurua welcomed a delegation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) on Monday, October 21, 2024.

The delegation's visit focused on the re-accreditation, resources inspection, and validation of the institution’s academic programmes, aligning them with national standards.

Dr. Moses Umobong, Rector of AKWAPOLY, highlighted the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and the importance of aligning its programmes with NBTE standards. He expressed gratitude to the NBTE team for prioritizing the polytechnic despite their demanding schedules, and lauded their ongoing support, which he credited for enabling AKWAPOLY to stay competitive in Nigeria's technical education sector.

Dr. Umobong emphasized that the accreditation exercise is crucial to fostering a conducive learning environment and maintaining the institution's reputation. “This process reflects our dedication to continuous improvement. Our goal is to ensure our programmes meet the evolving needs of Nigeria’s technical education sector,” he remarked, noting the high performance of AKWAPOLY students in both national and international competitions.

The Rector also praised the peaceful environment of Akwa Ibom State under Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, describing it as one of Nigeria’s most welcoming and development-friendly locations. He encouraged the NBTE team to feel at home as they evaluated the institution's facilities, assuring them of AKWAPOLY's commitment to excellence.

Dr. Fatima Kubir Umar, Director of Polytechnic Programs, expressed her appreciation for AKWAPOLY's warm reception and efficient organization. She praised the leadership for upholding high standards and ensuring compliance with national requirements. Dr. Umar stated that the NBTE's purpose is to assess, validate, and verify the academic programmes offered, ensuring they meet both national standards and the demands of the workforce.

“This process is vital to confirm that AKWAPOLY's offerings align with market needs, equipping graduates with relevant skills,” she explained. Dr. Umar also encouraged her team to maintain transparency and impartiality throughout the inspection.

The NBTE’s visit covers a range of programmes:

For Re-accreditation: HND and ND programmes in fields such as Computer Science, Science Laboratory Technology, Business Administration and Management, Accountancy, Office Technology and Management, Electrical Electronics Engineering, and Architectural Technology.

For Initial Accreditation: Programmes like ND Elect/Elect Power & Machines, ND and HND in Mechanical Engineering, ND Welding & Fabrication, ND Mechatronics Engineering Technology, ND Library & Information Science, and Institutional Administration.

For Resources Inspection: HND Computer Engineering, HND Surveying & Geo-Informatics, HND Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence, HND Mass Communication, ND Public Administration, ND Environmental Science, ND Marketing, and ND Banking & Finance.

For Resources Inspection and Verification: HND Civil Engineering Technology, ND Crime Management, Revalidation of Petroleum Marketing, and Business Studies.

The comprehensive accreditation and inspection process ensures that AKWAPOLY continues to meet the standards of Nigeria’s technical education system, preparing graduates with the skills essential for success in a competitive job market.