The Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas (FPOG), Bonny is a strategic approach to developing a modern workforce that is skilled and innovative, the Federal Government has said.

Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje said this on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 while delivering a Pre-Convocation Lecture at the institution’s campus in Bonny, Rivers State.

The Pre-Convocation Lecture is part of activities marked for the maiden Convocation Ceremony of the FPOG Bonny.

Represented by NBTE’s Zonal Director, South-South, Cyril Mbong, the NBTE Boss posited that to develop a workforce within the institution and populate the industry space with skilled and innovative manpower the Polytechnic needs to invest in infrastructure, mainstream creativity and entrepreneurship and sustain professional development.  

“The strategic approach of FPOGB in skill acquisition and technical innovation realizations is essential in preparing individuals for success in the modern workforce.

“By focusing on industry relevance, hands-on, practical training programs, investing in state-of-the-art facilities and resources, promoting a culture of creativity and entrepreneurship, and continuous professional development, FPOGB will be able to cultivate a skilled and innovative workforce that drives economic growth and technological advancement by following recommendations made on the MSQ implementation modalities.”

He stressed that the “FPOGB should conduct research, collaborating with industry partners to develop innovative solutions that address real-world challenges”.

“FPOGB leverages its industry connections to engage in joint research projects, fostering innovation and knowledge transfer between academia and industry.”

“FPOGB should encourage the generation and protection of intellectual property, contributing to the development of new technologies and products. This can be effective through upskilling and reskilling programs to help working professionals adapt to the evolving technological landscape.

“FPOGB should also prioritize continuous professional development for its faculty memberS. By providing opportunities for training and upskiling, educators can stay current with industry trends and best practices. This not only enhances the quality of education but also fosters a culture of lifelong learning within the institution.”

In her remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Anengi Claude-Wilcox encouraged stakeholders of Bonny Kingdom and beyond to collaborate with the Polytechnic towards ensuring its advancement for the overall good of the LGA, State and Country.

Represented by the immediate past Vice Chairman of Bonny LGA, Omoni Longjohn, the CTC Chairman applauded the Governing Council and Management of FPOG for the feat of graduating students after years of inception of the institution. 

The discussant at the lecture, Edward Pepple harped on the need for young people to be groomed into prioritizing upskilling, reskilling and multiskilling, noting that these will ensure that they remain marketable in the world of work.

Pepple, who is a former Chairman of Bonny LGA, urged parents to leverage the opportunity of having the Polytechnic in Bonny to have their children acquire requisite trainsing and certifications, emphasizing that contemporary businesses are driven by innovations, enjoining the students to build their capacity to be innovative.

In his address, acting Rector of the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas (FPOG), Bonny, Dr. Victor Okolobah stated that the maiden Convocation Lecture is significant as it avails all the opportunity to learn and acquire knowledge, asserting that it reflects the evolving landscape of skills acquisition, and underscores the institution’s unwavering commitment to knowledge dissemination.

“This thought provoking topic selected for the maiden Convocation Lecture speaks volumes about the ever-evolving landscape of skills acquisition and its enormous advantage for us as a nation. I am doubly able to say that our chosen Guest Lecturer is ably and imminently able to give us a treat.”

“Ladies and Gentlemen, this maiden Convocation Lecture is a testament to our unwavering commitment to dissemination of knowledge and pursuit of an avenue of intellectual growth. It provides an avenue for exchange of ideas and a ground for meaningful discussions.

Describing the guest lecturer, Professor ldris Bugaje, as “a man of timber and calibre” and “an embodiment of knowledge”, Dr Okolobah expressed the hope that participants would benefit from the fountain and reservoir of knowledge and experience of the NBTE Executive Secretary.

In attendance at the Pre-Convocation Lecture were the Chairman, George Sekibo, and Asita Honourable and other members of the Governing Council, a former acting Rector of the Polytechnic, Ibifiri Pollyn, among other dignitaries.