Imbibe fear of God, hard work in your studies - Bishop Nwokolo tells GOZPOLY students
By Chinedum Treasure
Bishop on the Niger, Rt Rev Dr Owen Nwokolo has appealed to matriculating students of Gozie Anyachebelu Polytechnic (GOZPOLY), Onitsha, Anambra State to imbibe the fear of God, hard work and persistence in their studies.
Nwokolo gave the advice during maiden matriculation of the school held at the Archbishop C. J. Patterson International Auditorium, All Saints' Cathedral, Onitsha.
The Bishop who doubles as Proprietor of the school assured the students of quality training, prophetically remarking that, "in a few years to come, you will become employers of labour".
He narrated how the idea for the establishment of the institution was conceived and finally actualised.
He expressed joy how dramatically the idea gradually blossomed into a matriculating polytechnic a few months later.
"The journey of this polytechnic started as a discussion on 'What do we do' to ensure that our youth are well equipped with relevant knowledge, technological and entrepreneurial skills that will help us reduce the high rate of unemployment in the society?
"We call on the matriculating students to diligently imbibe the fear of God, hard work and persistence in their studies.
"Do not waste your time; make the most effective use of your time in developing all the skills needed", he advised.
Rector of the polytechnic, Engr Mrs Helen Abone disclosed that over 120 students of the Polytechnic have received scholarships for various programmes from different groups and individuals.
She said about 70 students matriculated while more than 16 who had earlier graduated within the Inception period were given certificates on various entrepreneurship areas.
According to Abone, the institution was founded on the conviction that education must be practical, innovative and transformative.
"Our vision is to bridge the gap between academic theory and hands-on technological competence. Over 120 students had so far received scholarships for various programmes from different groups and individuals," she said.
Delivering his key-note address anchored on "Human Capital Development in the 21st century", President, Association of Corporate Governance Professionals of Nigeria, Mazi Samuel Ohuabunwa described innovative and life-long learning as variants of Human Capital Development concept.
He stressed the need for Nigeria to embrace and internalize innovative and life-long learning into her human development strategies.
"Development philosophy, as a learning phenomenon of the 21st century, ought to focus on the enhancement of skills, knowledge and the competence to drive upwards.
"Human Capital Development must include digital literacy and soft skill development. It's all about adaptability, resilience, diversity, equity and inclusion.
"These are the elements of Capital Development strategies we must focus upon if, ever, we want to catch-up with the developed world.
"This is the time to inculcate these mindsets into our students at all levels of learning".
While commending GOZPOLY for already adopting the innovative and the life-long learning models, Ohuabunwa encouraged the new students to take their studies seriously.
He charged them to adopt feasible academic time management, entreating them to always be punctual and regular to lectures.
Personalities at the event were Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, Mr Emeka Tony Omata, representing State Government, members of Gọzie Anyachebelu family, the legend whose name the institution bears, led by Dr Sir O. C. Anyachebelu.
Others were Vice Chancellor, University on the Niger, Prof Chinedu Nebo, represented by Dean, Faculty of Law of the institution, Prof. Obiọma Helen Onyi-Ogelle, Obi of Onitsha, Ìgwè Alfred Achebe, represented by Osoma Afaa, Chief Surv. Sir Chika Oboli, while the Eze Okpoko the 2nd, Ìgwè Augustine Emelobe offered 10 scholarships to students of the polytechnic.
