Fedponek Gazette (2024)

17/08/2023

Heroic!

17/08/2023

FEDPONEK GAZETTE

*I HAVE RECEIVED OVER 169 AWARDS IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS, SAYS RECTOR OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC NEKEDE AS HE ACCEPTS GOLD AWARD FROM NGO*

Pace-setting Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede who is winding up his five-year tenure, Engr. Dr. Michael Arimanwa FNSE JP, says he has so far received over 169 awards from reputable local and international bodies. These awards are in recognition of the numerous landmark projects he executed since his assumption of office.

Besides these phenomenal honours, the Rector also stated that he had been invested best Rector award six times, adding that a seventh one was in the offing.The Rector made these remarks in his office last Friday when he received a gold award from a Non-Governmental Organization, Coalition of Supporters of Democracy and Good Governance.

Speaking at the award ceremony, spokesman of the group declared thus: “The Rector has done marvelously well since he assumed office in the last five years. He has run an open-door policy which shows that he is a humane and meek person. He has invested heavily in human capital development. More importantly, he has radically expanded the infrastructure of the polytechnic as well as opened the institution for growth. The Rector in the spirit of curriculum development established more schools and departments. This is to say the least, an ambitious move. We have come therefore as an organization to encourage you with this gold award.”

Responding, the Rector expressed appreciation to the group for being in touch with his leadership trajectory, adding that the award was his 169th since he assumed office in 2018, in addition to six phenomenal awards as best Rector in the country.

Hear him, “I am happy to receive this award. This is the 169th award I am receiving since my assumption of this noble office. Already I have six awards as best Rector in my kitty, with a seventh one afoot. Seven is a number of perfection hence I am delighted to be so honoured by people who are faithfully keeping track of our achievements.

“I am happy that this latest award is coming from those who are supporters of good governance. Indeed, we all desire good governance at all levels of government in Nigeria. We have capacity as a nation to take the country to the next level. We have capable human capital all over the country.

"We also have capacity to attract people from all over the world to stay with us in Nigeria instead of a situation where our people want to leave the country in droves to other climes. I am confident that as young people, you still have the mental energy to give this country your best when the time comes.”

Principal Officers present at the award ceremony included the Deputy Rector (Academic), C.C. Onyemenonu and Deputy Rector (Administration) Dr. F. U. Ibeaja. Others include the Registrar, Mrs. E.C. Anuna, Bursar, Mr. V. N. Anyanwuocha and the Librarian, Dr. C. C. Obichere.12 August, 2023.

14/08/2023

FEDPONEK GAZETTE

RECTOR INAUGURATES PPP UNIT IN FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC NEKEDE, EXPRESSES OPTIMISM ABOUT PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENTS IN THE INSTITUTION

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Engr. Dr. Michael Arimanwa FNSE, JP, last Thursday inaugurated the Public Private Partnership Unit (PPPU) in the institution, a move that has been variously described as historic.

On ground to witness the event was a representative of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Dr Amanze Okere, who represented the Director-General of the commission.
In his charge after inaugurating the unit, Rector Arimanwa expressed joy at yet another milestone at the twilight of his administration.

Hear him, “We are very happy that history has been made today. We had dreamt of an opportunity like this to formally inaugurate this unit that had in the past served as a committee. I am happy that members of the committee had undergone requisite training on their operational procedures. I make bold to state that governments across the world provide infrastructure by partnering private concerns. The infrastructure gap in Nigeria is well over Four Trillion Dollars, making it difficult for government alone to bridge the gap. It has become very expedient that we partner private bodies in our resolve to provide world class infrastructure in our institution.

“Consequently, we need to have a legal framework so that we shall be able to work in the ambit of the law. To this effect, if this institution wishes to provide infrastructure like a hostel, through partnership with the private sector, the PPP Unit will ensure that the proceedings are conducted in the right manner. I believe there are a lot of things that we can do together with the private sector.”

High point of the event was the presentation of a lecture by the Dr. Amanze Okere where he emphasized that a public-private partnership venture offers a country or entity a dependable and sustainable finding option. He also explicated the operational modes of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) in mediating a successful partnership between a public corporation and a private entity.

In a vote of thanks, Dr. Adolphus Obi, the pioneer head of the PPP Unit, expressed gratitude to the Rector for actualizing the dream of setting up the unit, pledging to achieve the lofty goals for which the unit was established.

10 August, 2023.

07/05/2023

FEDPONEK GAZETTE

*ENCOMIUMS AS SIR KENNETH ARIMANWA GOES HOME*

The remains of Sir Kenneth Ukachukwu Arimanwa has been committed to Mother Earth amid encomiums from family, friends and relatives, who described him as an intelligent gentleman, peace lover and consummate community leader, who loved the things of God.

In a tribute signed by his first son, Engr. Dr. Michael Arimanwa, who is also the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, the deceased was described as “disciplined, focused, reliable, fearless, loyal and extremely selfless.” He was also characterized as a man who lived a “purposeful, healthy and fulfilled life,” having mentored many.

Besides the tributes from family members, there were countless other testimonies of people who described the gallant knight as a man endowed with exceptional wisdom and humanity, attributes which created lasting impressions on the minds of people with whom he came in contact. Sir Arimanwa who died at the ripe age of 90 was buried in his compound at Umuneke Obazu Mbieri.

In a commendation service earlier at the Cathedral Church of the Transfiguration of our Lord (CATOL), Rev’d Bethel Ohagwam enjoined Christians to live a life of righteousness as there was a reward for every person according to the life they lived. He reminded believers of the words of Christ in Revelations 22: 12-14 where His second coming was made imminent, urging Christians to amend their ways.

In a well-attended funeral service later at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church Obazu, Christians were admonished to keep watch and be mindful of their speech, thought and habit. In a homily entitled “Keep Watch,” Ven Onyinyeoma Onyeagocha reminded Christians that the times are evil, a reason they need to keep watch on what they do, adding that they would be held accountable for their actions, as it is written in the gospel of Matthew, chapter 12.

The cleric further enjoined believers to guard their hearts against evil thoughts and intents, warning children of God to be resolute in changing their bad habits.

Three bishops and numerous archdeacons and priests officiated the service. The prelates were the Rt Rev’d Chukwuma Chinekezi Opara of the Anglican Diocese of Owerri, Rt Rev’d Chidi Oparaojiaku of Ohaji/Egbema Diocese and the Rt. Rev’d Geoffrey Okoroafor of Egbu Diocese.

The funeral service was graced by several dignitaries including the Governor of Imo State, represented by Barr. Kezie Ogaziechi, Commissioner for Power and Rural Electrification and other officials of the state. The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, by Mrs Winifred Amadim.

Present also were the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Sen Ifeanyi Araraume, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, Chief Jude Ejiogu, Prof Vitalis Orikeze, Prof and Prof (Mrs) Jude Njoku, Rectors of Federal Polytechnic Oko and Ekowei and their Principal Officers, among other dignitaries.

Also present were the Acting Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede and his wife, Sqd. Ldr. & Mrs Chima Idika Chima (Rtd), and other council members.

There were the Principal Officers of the polytechnic including the Deputy Rector (Academic) C.C. Onyemenonu, Deputy Rector (Administration) Dr. Uzoma Ibeaja, Registrar, Mrs. E.C. Anuna, Bursar, Mr. V.N. Anyanwuocha, Deans, Directors and Heads of Departments, among a host of others including traditional and community leaders.

In a vote of thanks, the Rector and first son of the family, Engr. Dr. Michael Arimanwa, appreciated dignitaries that found time to come for the burial, wishing them journey mercies back to their destinations.

Three choirs including the host church, Anglican Church of the Holy Spirit in Control and Praise God Anglican Chaplaincy (Federal Polytechnic Nekede), participated in the funeral service.

6 May, 2023

18/04/2023

FEDPONEK GAZETTE

*RECTOR OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC NEKEDE HONOURED BY OWERRI SPORTS CLUB*

The award-winning Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Engr. Dr. Michael Arimanwa, has been honoured by a foremost elite club in Nigeria, Owerri Sports Club.

The polytechnic chief was given the honour based on his track record of excellence in service delivery at his institution, which has made it a leading polytechnic in Nigeria. The colourful ceremony which took place last Sunday at the premises of the club witnessed a large turnout of dignitaries from all walks of life.

Speaking at the event, president of the club, Chief Chike Orjiako made it clear that honorees at the event were chosen on merit, adding that the gesture was to reward excellence exhibited by the recipients in their chosen fields of endeavour. He congratulated the men and women of honour for distinguishing themselves and earning their conferment with the award of honorary members of the club.

Responding after receiving the award, the Rector described the award as a special one. He revealed that he had a policy of choosing the awards he received, adding that when the letter for an award came from the Owerri Sports Club came, he decided to honour it because of the exemplary activities of the club in promoting sports and humanity-centred activities.

The poly supremo further described the award as an honour to both himself and his institution. “I am happy that this award is coming from a reputable organization. I consider it an honour to me and the polytechnic. This is why my dear wife is here also with me. What’s more, I have the full complement of my Management staff with me. It is an award that I will cherish for a long time.”

Speaking to FEDPONEK GAZETTE at the sidelines of the award ceremony, the Deputy Rector of the institution, Mr. C.C. Onyemenonu, described the award as an honour done to both the Rector and the institution.

“I am happy the Owerri Sports Club is honouring a man of impeccable character in the person of Engr. Dr. Michael Chidiebere Arimanwa. He is by every ramification deserving of the award bestowed on him as an honorary member of the club. We are happy to identify with the Rector, who is also a lover of sports.”

A dignitary at the event, Dr. Barr. Law Uzowuru, who also spoke to FEDPONEK GAZETTE, described the Rector as an excellent administrator who deserved the award given to him. He admitted to being an admirer of the Rector owing to his superlative performance at the Federal Polytechnic Nekede.

It will be recalled that Engr. Dr. M.C. Arimanwa has won over 145 awards, following his powerful record of performance since his assumption as 8th substantive Rector of the polytechnic. Importantly, he has won best Rector award for a record five times.

He has brought about an uncommon creative ingenuity in governance, and has succeeded in repositioning the polytechnic for greatness even to the extent of founding a second campus for the institution, located at Abaezi Egbema.

The latest award from the Owerri Sports Club comes as a glowing testament of Rector Arimanwa’s dynamic leadership.

17 April, 2023

09/04/2023

FEDPONEK GAZETTE

*BREAKING: FG SELECTS FEDERAL POLY NEKEDE FOR BROADBAND INTERNET DEVELOPMENT**

The Federal Government has selected the Federal Polytechnic Nekede for broadband internet development. This development comes on the heels of a most robust smart campus project prosecuted by the frontline polytechnic.

The letter of award in respect of this great development was last Thursday in Abuja presented to the Rector of the polytechnic, Engr. Dr. M.C. Arimanwa, by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isah Pantami.

Meanwhile, the Rector has expressed joy at the development, describing it as a step in the right direction. “I am excited at the development. It is indeed a step in the right direction. The Smart Campus Initiative which we launched in our institution in 2019 has received a great boost by this visionary action of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isah Pantami. I hope that the Federal Government will invest more in digital technology which contributes much more to the nation’s GDP than the oil industry.”

The Federal Polytechnic Nekede was chosen based on its track record of performance in the ICT sector. Essentially, a robust ICT infrastructure has been built and institutionalized in the polytechnic. For instance, the Arimanwa administration has laid fibre optic cables across the length and breadth of the polytechnic. This has enhanced internet provision in the institution.

There are also LAN cables provided in all offices in the institution in addition to a robust Wifi network across the institution. The Computer-based Test centres of the institution have been revamped as Computer-based examinations have been institutionalized.

The polytechnic has already been listed among the six best polytechnics in ICT development, according to World Webometric ranking. In addition, it has been listed as a Centre of Excellence in ICT by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

The latest Federal Government's intervention comes as a huge boost to the landmark achievements of Rector Arimanwa in the ICT sector. Among other impacts, it will further expand the ICT infrastructure in the institution which has undergone enormous improvement since the Rector assumed office in 2019.

The Rector has always believed in the deployment of ICT to solve human problems. Interestingly, the he has not relented in doing this since he came on board. He has almost phased out manual operations in the award-winning polytechnic – from manual payment and screening to manual polls.

Already, the polytechnic has almost gone paperless as Council meetings, Academic Boards and the likes are held without any manual operations. This development has saved the institution of millions of naira that would have been used to purchase stationeries. It may be recalled that the Rector, Engr. Dr. M.C. Arimanwa has been a strong advocate of knowledge based economy.

In his words, “It is only when the country veers away from an oil-based economy to a knowledge driven one that the its full potentials can be maximized for the benefit of her people and the black race.”

The broadband internet is characterized by high speed, which would allow most systems to download information in a fraction of the time of dial-up. Also the high bandwidth associated with the broadband facilitates fast data transfer in large volumes.

The Federal Polytechnic Nekede was among the few polytechnics chosen by the Federal Government for the project.

8 April, 2023.

11/03/2023

FEDPONEK GAZETTE

*STAKEHOLDERS LAUD RECTOR ARIMANWA OVER DIGITAL CONDUCT OF EPSA ELECTIONS*

Stakeholders in the polytechnic community have applauded the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Engr. Dr. M.C. Arimanwa FNSE, for deploying digital technology in the conduct of the recent election of the new executive officers of the Evening Programme Students Association of the institution.

Speaking to FEDPONEK GAZETTE, the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Okafo Okoreaffia, applauded the Rector for using technology to solve problems associated with elections in the institution.

According to him, “The electronic voting introduced by the Rector is the best; it is easy, reliable and transparent. It is good that students have faith in the process. It is important to stress that the electronic voting system is seamless, genuine, free and fair. It has reduced cost, time and stress of conducting a typical EPSA election.

"Before now, student elections used to dovetail far into the nights before they were concluded. But the reverse is now the case as elections are concluded in record time and the results published without any disputation.”

According to the Director, Evening Programme, Dr. Mrs. Ego J. Obi-Okogbuo, “I am happy to witness this wonderful innovation from our Rector. The electronic voting system so deployed is very easy and fast. I am highly elated that our digital Rector has made electronic voting a culture in our institution. As you can see, students have keyed into the technology due to its efficiency.”

Similarly, Mr. Reginald Ossai, Deputy Director, Evening Programme, praised the Rector for institutionalizing electronic voting in the polytechnic, calling on other higher institutions and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take a cue from the Rector’s use of technology to reform the electoral process.

“The entire process is monitored through the Zoom and every vote cast counts. You can stay anywhere in the world and monitor the process. It is simply great!”

For the outgoing President of EPSA, Onyema Ahanonu, “The electronic voting is the best. Our Rector is indeed a smart administrator as he has used technology to eliminate electoral challenges. He has redefined the system and made it a clean process where a winner or loser emerges in a transparent way.”

The Rector has maintained that the electronic voting system remains a credible means of determining winners and losers in a seamless and cost-effective way. He describes it as a “paradigm shift” from the inefficiency of manual voting and collation with its susceptibility to manipulations.

“We had cases of people snatching ballot boxes or people contesting the outcomes of elections. The worst of it is that manual voting is expensive. Today we have a digital platform where you vote and see your vote count. The whole world watches the process because it is efficient, transparent and auditable. Above all, it is less rancorous. I do not see reason for spending so much for what I would do for far less amount.

"We have not only saved money, we have also prevented violent reactions bedeviling students’ elections. Before, elections lasted through the night and when the results were announced, pockets of agitations would erupt, prompting the calling of the police and State Security Services to come and restore order.”

At the end of the elections, Dapu Metonawaji Isotu (21EH/0010/AC) of Accountancy Department emerged president while Chigozie Glory Umunna (21EH/0068/ST-MB) emerged vice president.

Others were Bassey Blessing (General Secretary), Vivian Edwin (Ass. General Secretary), Onyeabor Innocent (Director of Finance), Faith Geoffrey (Treasurer), Cynthia Amah (Director of Publicity), Victor Enyinna (Director of Socials), Moses Ogo (Director of Transport) and Peter Temple (Director of Sports).

(C) FEDPONEK GAZETTE 10 MARCH, 2023

21/02/2023

FEDPONEK GAZETTE

*HURRAY! FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC NEKEDE ACQUIRES SECOND CAMPUS*

In another historic feat, the pace-setting Federal Polytechnic Nekede has acquired a second campus. This comes after a period of rigorous effort in this regard by the Rector and his team of Management.

Disclosing this last Thursday, the Rector of the institution, Engr. Dr. Michael Chidiebere Arimanwa, stated the approval for the new campus had been given by the President, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, through a letter dated 12th January, 2023.Located at Egbema, Imo State, the second campus is a finished project with state-of-the-art facilities.

A tour on the facility last Thursday by a joint team of officials from the Ministry of Niger Delta and the polytechnic revealed that the site boasts of modern classrooms, workshops, hostels, staff quarters, auditorium and sports complex, among others.

It is expected to contribute significantly to the long-expected expansion of the institution, which has been a leading polytechnic in Nigeria. Ultimately, the new campus is expected to accommodate disciplines that are over 80% practical- oriented.

The formal hand-over ceremony of the second campus is expected to be performed by Mr President in few weeks. After this, some Schools of the institution would be moved to the new campus.The need for a second campus has been on the front burner for some time, prompting the Rector to swing to action on how to solve the problem. There are disciplines in the institution which simply require demonstration sites. For instance, all the disciplines in the School of Agricultural Technology require demonstration farms, by the standards of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

The first revelation on the possibility of a new campus was made last October by the Rector where he stated thus: “My administration is working hard to get a second campus for the polytechnic in view of the limited space for agricultural demonstration and other academic practical activities. The campus will be located at Ohaji/Egbema.

"Essentially, we shall site our agricultural demonstration centre, demonstration centres and skill acquisition centre there. The entrepreneurial centre is envisioned to train and certify people with low qualifications so that they would be skilled and useful to the society in the areas of brick laying, welding and so on. People coming for this type of programme do not necessarily need credit passes in English and Mathematics or other core courses.

"Already, a directorate of skill acquisition has been inaugurated and very soon we shall have students whom we are going to formally train in hands-on skills.”

The news of a second campus for the polytechnic has been described as a landmark development. A stakeholder in the institution has poured encomiums on the Rector, Engr. Dr. Michael Arimanwa and members of his Management for being creative and proactive in repositioning the polytechnic for greatness.

Another stakeholder described the Rector as a pragmatic leader who is full of ideas and innovations on how to make the polytechnic better.

There is a consensus, meanwhile, that the acquisition of a second campus by the polytechnic is of the legacies which the Arimanwa administration is bequeathing to an institution which the Rector has many times described as “my noble almamater”.

In a recent chat with the press, the Rector had further described his journey at the polytechnic thus: “Federal Polytechnic Nekede did not become the best performing polytechnic by chance. A large percentage of my life has been spent here. I schooled here as I obtained both my ND and HND certificates here. I went to the university to acquire further qualifications after which I came back to work here as a staff and now as chief executive. I started schooling here in 1982; that is to tell you how long in have been here.”

Already, preparations for the hand-over ceremony have begun. The Management has constituted a committee for the purpose. It is another date with history for the Rector who has particularly been consistent in making the institution visible through innovative ideas and infrastructural revolution.

© FEDPONEK GAZETTE 18 FEBRUARY, 2023.

21/02/2023

FEDPONEK GAZETTE

*RECTOR OPENS CCB WORKSHOP IN FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC NEKEDE*

In continuation of his ant-indiscipline campaign, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Engr. Dr. M.C. Arimanwa FNSE, has opened a two-day workshop for staff of the institution.

The workshop organized in partnership with the Code of Conduct Bureau was meant to sensitize staff on behavioral ethics expected of civil/public servants.

Declaring the workshop open last Thursday at the Polytechnic Auditorium, the Rector stated that the conduct of staff was central to the image of the institution in particular and the nation in general, adding that staff members needed seminar fora where they could be sensitized on codes of behaviour to equip them against deviant acts.

“The government expects every public servant to conduct themselves in a particular manner. That is why the Conduct of Bureau of the Presidency has come to address the polytechnic staff so that they could avoid acts that would constitute pitfalls in their ways. The Code of Conduct Bureau also adjudicates on matters concerning public servants through the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

“Essentially, the team will apprise us of necessary facts on how to avoid being hunted even after leaving getting retired from service.

"Any act of indiscipline while serving the public as a government official is unacceptable. The Federal Polytechnic Nekede has been categorical in matters of indiscipline. We do not condone it in whatever form. Any staff who indulges in it does so at his or her own peril. This workshop is yet another wake-up call on all members of staff. It is on this note that I declare this workshop open.”

There were three lectures at the workshop predicated on petitions in public service, ethics in public service and fighting corruption in public service.

The resource persons were Mr. Boniface Ejiogu, State Director of Code of Conduct Bureau, Barr. Stanley Mbajunwa and Mr. Abel Sunday Cosmas.In the end, there was a consensus that a code of conduct is a set of norms that guides a person in the discharge of his or her duties, a reason every civil servant is expected to be knowledgeable with the codes.

© FEDPONEK GAZETTE 17 FEBRUARY, 2023.

11/02/2023

A salute to excellence and courage!

11/02/2023

FEDPONEK GAZETTE

*FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC NEKEDE PRODUCES BIOMASS MACHINE AND MANUAL SEED PLANTING MACHINE*

In another scientific breakthrough, the Federal Polytechnic Nekede has unveiled a pedal operated Biomass Briquetting Machine and Manual Seed Planting Machine designed and fabricated by some students of Mechanical Engineering under the supervision of Engr. Oke Mong and Engr. Duke Ukwuegbu, respectively.

At the unveiling ceremony organized by the Directorate of Research for Innovation and Development last Friday at the New Engineering Complex, the pace-setting Rector of the institution, Engr. Dr. Michael Chidiebere Arimanwa, described the technological products as bold expressions of the commitment of his administration in deploying research for the development of the society.

Highlighting the operational procedure of the Biomass machine, Engr. Mong Oke stated that the devise converts waste to “an environmentally friendly solid fuels known as briquettes. It is meant to replace charcoal thereby discouraging deforestation. It also has better heating value and combustion outcomes because it was refined/carbonized using the process of pyrolysis. The product can also serve as steam power turbine feedstock, replacing coal because of its combustion properties and environmental sustainability. With this machine a community can rely on their biomass wastes for their energy need.”

Responding, the Rector thanked the project supervisor and his students, Nnadiegbulam Victor, Echewodo Francis, Njoku Daniel and Ubani Ifeanyichukwu, who designed and fabricated the devise, describing it as “timely and commendable.”

According to the multiple award winning Rector, “The act of converting waste to wealth is a world-wide commitment. Every nation has devised a way of converting waste to something profitable so that nothing is actually wasted. A country like Singapore runs 24 hours from power generated from waste. Leaders everywhere are looking inwards to see how waste can be recycled to protect the environment. A boy in Ghana has recently made strong bricks out of plastic bottles, a feat that has made used plastic bottles to be on high demand in that region of the country.

“I anticipate a bigger biomass machine that can service our institution so that wastes produced here can be effectively recycled for the benefit of the polytechnic. It was the need to recycle used sheets of paper that inspired us to establish a tissue paper factory so that no paper material is lost. I also make bold to say that the use of this biomass briquetting machine is a vital means of preserving the environment which is daily depleted by the activities of humans. It is therefore timely and commendable.”

The Rector also unveiled the manual seed planter designed and fabricated by some students of Mechanical Engineering under the supervision of Engr. Duke Ugwuegbu. While operating the devise, the project supervisor stated that when using the machine, “A push force is exerted on the handle to kick start the planting operation on the farmland. As the machine moves across the farm due to the force exerted on the handle, the plough digs the soil creating a trench along the part of motion of the machine by displacing sand sideways while the front wheel which is the driving wheel of the system transmits motion via a sprocket and rolling chain setup to the shaft of the seed wheel.

“As the shaft of the seed wheel rotates, it drives the seed wheel in a rotary motion and with seeds already placed in the hooper and an optimal seed plate diameter set, seeds fall into the hole bored on the seed wheel. The seed wheel rotary motion then aids the transportation of the seed to the chute where they are carefully aided into the trench created in the soil by the plough. As the machine moves further, the trench closer which is situated between the rear wheels pushes sand into the trench created by the plough hence covering the seed and completing the planting operation."

The supervisor further stated that when planting tests were carried out, it was observed that the seed planter could successfully plant optimal number of seeds per point, as the seed metering mechanisms could successfully pick an optimal number of seed from the hooper and transport same to the chute which then helps deposit these seeds in to the trench of the soil.

While congratulating the quartet of Enoh Tito, Ekpedo Paschal, Ukaoma Chijindu and Nzewunwa Anderson who collaborated in the project, the Rector described the initiative as another contribution of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede in developing the agricultural sector as farmers who cannot afford mechanized farming can deploy the equipment with minimal stress. He however observed that the volume of seeds in the hooper needs to be specified so that a farmer could have an idea of what service to expect.

Speaking further, Rector Arimanwa described the machine as “a simple seed planting devise that can cover a large space in a short while.” He specifically recommended it for small holder farmers for the enhancement of their farming practice. He final directed that the necessary engineering specifications for all the projects should be made so that the polytechnic would have them patented.

Speaking on the development, the Director of Research and Innovation for Development, Engr. Dr. Chijioke Chiemela described the inventions and initiatives of the polytechnic as unprecedented and bold. He poured encomiums on the Rector, Engr. Dr. Michael Arimanwa for being purpose-driven in leadership and for his policy thrust on research and innovation. He further described him as a “goal conscious administrator” who is focused on using research to solve social problems.

“My Rector is a one-in-a-million leader who is purpose-driven in deploying research to solve man’s challenges. He has been very focused in his policy thrust of research and innovation and this has kept me on my toes. Let me say that the institution has capacity to mass produce better versions of all the machines the Rector has unveiled. All we seek is the needed support from stakeholders so that the wider world could benefit from these inventions. I am very happy that the Rector has indicated readiness to have our inventions patented. I commend him for the pronouncement as this will further sour us to action. Finally, let me state that our products can be directly purchased from our institution. We are an educational institution and we are ready use research to solve the needs of the society.”

© FEDPONEK GAZETTE 11 February, 2023

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