Achuenu: Leading DSPG to becoming 21st century polytechnic in learning, research, innovation ~ Truth Reporters

By Andy Emephia

Since his assumption of office as the 5th Rector of Delta State Polytechnic , Ogwashi uku, in Aniocha South LGA,  this Professor of Building , with specialization in Construction Management , has put his hand to the plough since August 1, 2021.

With a richly intimidating resume that boasts of a Advanced professional diploma in Sustainable Development in Green and Digital Enterprises solutions , with scholastic honours, (Best PhD Thesis , 2001), an Association of African Universities (AAU) Fellowship Award (2014), as Visiting Professor , to Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, Free State , South Africa, and in addition to a rich work experience profile through the rungs of the academic ladder , his has been a clear mindset of opening new vistas and blazing trails .

Builder Professor Emmanuel Achuenu, Fellow of the Nigeria lnstitute of Builders (FNlOB), Associate member of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (AMNSE), obtained his West African School Certificate (WASC), in 1980, with Division 1, from Ogume Grammar School, in Ndokwa West LGA, while in 1988, he obtained a BSc in Building (2nd class upper division), from the University of Jos. In 1993, Achuenu bagged an MSc , with distinction, in Construction Management, from same Unijos , climaxing his search for academic diadem with a PhD in Construction Management , in the year 2000, from the University of Jos.

Galant Strides at DSPG

(1) Human capital development

Since August 1, 2021, when he assumed duties formally , the 22 year old polytechnic has witnessed the sponsorship of 49 academic and non academic staff for trainings and workshops and also 4 academic staff for PhD/ MSc programmes , courtesy of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund ( TET Fund)

In addition also, 54 staff have benefitted from conference/ workshop attendance , from the internally generated revenue (igr)

The icing on the cake , the cheering news , is that , since his tenure of office as Rector formally took off on August 1, 2021, no fewer than 50 Academic staff of the institution , had , through the various initiatives of academic upgrade sponsored by TET Fund and the institution,s lGR, bagged the prestigious PhD diadem, the first ever in the administration of any Rector of the school

(2) Peace on campus

Aware that for meaningful teaching, learning, research and development to thrive on campus, Achuenu, along with his management team , put proactive measures in place to nip in the bud, any form of disruption of peace . Till date , not a single incident of disruption of any form , or cult related activities , has been recorded under his watch as Rector , as academic and social activities go on without let or hindrance , on campus.

2a) Industrial harmony between management , staff and students body

A known lover of peace , this 5th Rector has engendered a culture of mutual respect for staff and students leaderships , such that all channels of communication flow from top to bottom are utilized to resolve issues before they snowball into challenges. Every level in the industrial union chain get their due as at when due.

(3) Keying into the MORE AGENDA.

Pursuant to the MORE agenda initiative of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Bldr Prof Emmanuel Achuenu led DSPG has put up a proposal for Short Certificate courses to be an additional boost for meaningful peace building platforms aimed at political, social stability and youth empowerment of the campus community.

4) Successful hosting of 20th edition of NBTE/NIPOSSGA Games.

From the 4th to 13th November 2021, few months after taking over the reins of office , DSPG under Achuenu  , made history by hosting the National Board for Technical Education ( NBTE)/ Nigeria Polytechnic Senior Staff Association Games ( NIPOSSGA). This feat contributed to showcasing the institution,s potentials in the area of sports development as well as promoting it's staff as sportsmen and women.

5) Step down of 33 KVA transmission line.

With the support of the immediate past Governing Council led by Chief Joe Arausi, the management of DSPG successfully stepped down the 33 kVA line in the area , thereby ensuring not only ensuring uninterrupted 24 hours power supply on campus , but also saving funds that was being used to purchase diesel daily.

6) Securing of N Power Training Centre.

A National Social lnvestment Programme of the federal government , the Achuenu led DSPG successfully secured a Training Centre in the school where over 45 trained Artisans and Tradesmen in Masonry, carpentry , electrical installation and plumbing , among others , were presented certificates during the second edition.

7) Micro Soft Training

In conjunction with lnter Care, DSPG under Achuenu,s watch , established a micro soft certification centre , which has successfully engaged the students to run courses in micro soft technology certification , this making them equipped and relevant in a technology evolving world.

8)NBTE Accreditation of courses

It is to the proactiveness of Bldr Prof Achuenu and his management team, that ALL the programmes run by the institution have been fully accredited by the National Board for Technical Education ( NBTE), it's regulatory body . In addition also , DSPG also secured approval to establish the School of Environmental Sciences , from NBTE, to run courses in ND Building Technology , ND Architecture , while further securing full accreditation in ND Urban and Regional Planning as well as ND Estate Management.

Also securing NBTE,s nod are HND Agricultural and Bio Environmental Engineering Technology ( Farm ,  Power and Machinery option), HND Civil Engineering Technology , ND Cooperative Economics and Management , ND Social Development and ND Crime Management , respectively.

9) Procurement of Engineering and Science equipment.

Through the support of TETFUND and the IGR, various lab equipment were procured to meet up with NBTE Accreditation requirement of the schools of Engineering , Sciences, and Environmental sciences.

10) SUG/NADESSTU Secretariat

For the first time in DSPG,s 22 year history , the students have been motivated within the past three years of the Achuenu led administration, to participate in the provision of infrastructure on campus , leading to the construction of the Students Union Government ( SUG) Secretariat , lecture hall , speed breakers , water project and signages, a higly commendable act of leadership who denied themselves aluta vehicles to actualize the project.

11) Construction of school buildings

TETFund projects

The School of Applied Sciences has been completed and already in use with lecture halls and staff offices as well as other conveniences . In addition also , the magnificent School of Environmental Sciences complex is at over 90 percent completion stage.

12) IGR projects

DSPG ultra modern Solar energy Training Centre

Powered by UNITOTAL Solar Energy Ltd, this innovation centre has the capacity to offer training in production and application of renewable energy systems necessary for addressing perennial energy problems in Nigeria while on the long run, helping at illuminating DSPG.

The centre has developed several modules of DSPG solar generators and experimenting on creating off the grid systems , using DSPG solar generators for buildings and small scale businesses

12. 1)300 capacity Lecture hall

With support from the then Governing Council, the Rector and his management team completed this landmark project complete with an additional Seminar room , conveniences and Janitor,s rooms , among others.

13) Sports Complex

Already , the basketball and volleyball courts have been completed under the first phase of the ongoing upgrade of the sports complex in anticipation of sports programmes DSPG will host in the near future

14) Research and Exhibitions

At the 2023 Science , Technology and innovation Expo organized by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology , DSPG participate and gave a good account of themselves by showcasing various fabricated equipment and products of staff and students, so much so that the dignitaries present , including the minister of science and technology , Mamora , commended them for it's giant strides in technological innovation.

Also at the recent Delta State Science Fair, DSPG under Achuenu,s watch, showcased it's pelleting machines produced locally to the admiration and commendation of the ministry,s top hierarchy.

15)Internal roads construction

For the first time in the institution,s 22 years of existence , the institution , with the support of the State government , now wears an aesthetic look with the construction of internal roads spanning over 900 metres in length. This has in no small measure, addressed the perennial challenges experienced by motorists , in accessing the campus, courtesy of Delta state government.

16) Perimeter fencing

Upon assumption of office , Bldr Prof Achuenu realized that the campus was at the mercy of security threats as it was largely porous due to the absence of perimeter fencing across the length and breath of the institution . Presently , accelerated work on the perimeter fencing project across the school,s boundaries , is ongoing , courtesy of TETFUND

In addition also , the perimeter fencing for the DSPG Staff school has been partially completed while WAEC and NECO have approved full accreditation for students of the school. Also , in order to reposition it , the staff school has been relocated to Campus 

17) DSPG street Lighting project

Only recently , the management , through continuous appraisal and proactive ingenuity , have made the street lighting of DSPG a reality . The 91 street lights illuminating  the campus of DSPG and giving it a glowing look of serenity and  security, are TET Fund sponsored projects attracted by the Bldr prof Achuenu's eventful administration.

18) Mass Comm building/ DSPG Radio station

The importance of information dissemination in society is as old as life itself. This truism underscored the Achuenu led administration to embark on the reconstruction of the Mass Communication building , to accommodate staff and students in the teaching and learning process , while plans are in top gear to commence work on the abandoned Mass Communication complex.

DSPG under the 5th Rector , got approval from the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission ( NBC), and the result of it is the DSPG Radio station on campus which transmits far and wide across Ogwashi uku and beyond. There are plans to make it a full fledged ,self sustaining radio station that will compete with it's peers in modern day broadcasting, in the near future.

19) The DSPG TETFund sponsored Library Complex

Under Bldr Professor Emmanuel Achuenu , the construction of the institution,s state of the art Library Complex has commenced , courtesy of TET Fund intervention , and like the School of Environmental Sciences complex almost nearing completion , there is no doubt that the library complex will be completed with all the modem equipment to enable the staff and students avail themselves of the accruable benefits of such edifice

CONCLUSION

There is no doubt whatsoever, that DSPG under the leadership of the 5th Rector, Bldr Professor Emmanuel Achuenu, is gradually taking it's pride of place among the comity of polytechnics , not only in Delta , but also Nigeria and beyond. With more foresight and availability of resources to drive the process, it's only a matter of time.