Authorities at Isa Mustapha Polytechnic, a polytechnic institution administered by Nasarawa State, have enforced a ban on the trading of supplementary study materials (Handouts) to students within the campus.
Even as they affirm this stance, they emphasize that education within the institution is not a commodity to be bought and sold, stressing that access to learning resources must be fair and equitable for all students.
This development coincides with the institution’s heightened focus on creating an atmosphere conducive to the free exchange of knowledge, enabling students to excel based on their merit, dedication, and pursuit of educational excellence.
The announcement of the ban was made by Dr. Nurudeen Mu’azu Maifata, who currently holds the position of Acting Rector, at the matriculation event for the 2023/2024 academic intake in Lafia, held on Thursday.
The directive from Dr. Maifata stresses the imperative of ensuring that no student is marginalized due to financial limitations in obtaining educational resources, urging both the faculty and student body to embrace the institutional policy aimed at promoting fair access to learning for all.
He disclosed that the management of the polytechnic is working tirelessly to achieve the vision of Governor Abdullahi Sule, who is the Visitor to the Polytechnic, to transform the school in line with best practices through quality manpower, facilities and structures to attain to the needs of the society.
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He called on students to steer clear from acts of indiscipline on campus such as indecent dressing, cultism, prostitution, sexual misconduct and examination malpractice, adding that the polytechnic under his watch will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone found breaking the law.
According to Dr. Maifata, it is imperative that no student is excluded from accessing educational materials due to financial constraints, and he called upon both staff and students to comply with the institution’s policy direction, which seeks to provide equal learning opportunities for all.
He implored students to uphold the reputation of the institution by showcasing diligence, integrity, and dedication to their studies, while also emphasizing the importance of cooperating with the polytechnic’s management to thwart any acts of immorality or disruptions to the peace and security of the campus.
The Acting Rector commended the matriculating students for their accomplishments and encouraged them to embrace their academic journey with a spirit of curiosity, growth, and building connections that will support their pursuit of excellence.
In a commendatory address, Martina Pojwan, standing in for Dr. Obadiah Ilalu, Chair of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics at Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic Lafia, praised the management’s initiatives in propelling the institution’s progress.