These days, anything concerning Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, attracts more than a passing attention. This is because the only federal government owned first generation polytechnic which started as a technical college located in Auchi, Edo State, has grown in stature and also indulged in some self-cleansing activities to attain its lofty status as one of the most preferred polytechnics in the country.
Dr. (Mrs) Philippa Idogho
Since the emergence of Dr. (Mrs) Philippa Idogho as Rector in 2008, Auchi Polytechnic has enjoyed a new lease of life in all ramifications.
Auchi, as host community, is not left out of the dividends. So, on Saturday, December 5, 2015, the ancient city will bubble in celebratory mood once again as all roads lead to the convocation ground for the institution’s 23rd convocation ceremony.
Beauty and serenity
For most of the graduands and their well-wishers, the convocation itself may seem as their focal attention. Beneath the razzmatazz of the day, that is, the convocation proper, others such as the visitors, alumni and the rest will be stung by the beauty and serenity of a new look Auchi Polytechnic.
Many of the visitors will not only marvel at the beautiful landscape, they will also be impressed with the magnificence quality and diligence put into it. Today, a lot of people rate her tenure as the most impactful in the chequered history of the school.
First from being called “iron lady” because of her tough and uncompromising stance on issues that border on transparency, quality, accountability and good governance, she is now popularly referred to as the “architect of modern Auchi Poly”.
Having aggressively pursued her transformation policy to a logical conclusion, it is, therefore, not completely out of sync to assert that she has been able to touch every facet of the school — infrastructure, staff and students’ welfare, massive renovation works, school expansion projects, etc.
A good example is the old administrative block which the school started with in 1964, but which had become derelict with age. She transformed the building into a modern one.
From the newly constructed administrative building to the expanded classroom blocks to the shopping mall in Campus II, the transformation is visible and compelling. It is this uncommon transformation that has made some to dub it “modern Auchi Polytechnic.”
Sadly but gloriously however, this is the last convocation ritual the Rector will presid over. Stakeholders have an opportunity, therefore, to thank her better for leaving the Polytechnic far better than she met it. People wonder if her successor will be able to sustain the momentum and pace this amazon set during her tenure. Describing the period as the golden era, Alhaji Abubakar Akokhia, a friend of the school who is now the APC Etsako West chapter chairman, said Dr. Idogho contributed significantly to the all-round development of the school. What is now known as Auchi Polytechnic, started as a technical college and was upgraded to a polytechnic in 1973. It derived the name Auchi polytechnic Auchi in 1975 and the multi campus structure was reversed to a single campus system to be based in Auchi.
Another significant phase in the life of the institution occurred in May 1993, when former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, announced plans by the Federal Government to take over the institution.
From its take off in 1976, with Dr. P. O. Igharo, a senior lecturer in Civil Engineering as first principal, Auchi Poly’s infrastructural development started on a shaky note.
Dr. Robinson Momoh, the first Registrar of the school and author, in his book, “Corridors of Power” hailed Dr. Igharo for his resourcefulness in executing his mandate to set up a strong and functional administrative system that would assist the polytechnic transit into a first rate tertiary institution. Use of the title ‘Rector’, started with the short-lived tenure of Mr. E. U. Bazuaye, between 1987-1989 as Acting Rector.
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