Nsukka ---------- Provost, Federal College of Education, FCE, Eha-Amufu, Enugu State,

Dr Pauline Ikwuegbu, says the college’s graduates will not be job seekers but job creators.

Ikwuegbu spoke on Wednesday at a news briefing as part of activities lined-up to mark the 33rd convocation ceremony of the college on Friday.

According to her, the college would during its 33rd convocation ceremony, graduate 1,611 with Nigeria Certificate of Education, NCE, and 69 with Professional Diploma of Education, PDE 

Her words, “These graduates of 2017 to 2021 sessions have aquired different skills in addition to their courses of study to enable them to be job creators instead of job seekers.

“We are optimistic that they will help to reduce unemployment in the country as they will create employment opportunities for many.”

 Ikwuegbu, who is the first female provost of the college said that the 33rd convocation would be unique as it concided with the college’s 40th anniversary, having been established in 1981.

Highlighting some of her achievements since assumption of office in 2018, she said in less 100 days in office, with the support of the Governing Council, Management and staff members, her administration upgraded the college to a degree awarding institution, adding that the feat was achieved with its affiliation to University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN.

“The upgrading of the college to a degree awarding institution has attracted Nigerians from different parts of the country to seek for admission in the college,” she said

According to her, the adminstration also within 100 days established Demonstration Secondary School in the College, that had attracted series’of commendations from staff members, students and residents of Eha-Amufu.

She said the administration had carried out massive promotions, conversions and proper placements of workers that were stagnated for years.

She said it equally embarked on provision of office spaces, seats and desks and renovation of all the dilapidated students hostels.

“I have ensured that there is an ease and absolute transparency in accessing TETFund academic intervention.

“Since I assumed office over 150 staff have travelled to different parts of the globe for conferences, workshops and further studies,” she added.

On infrastructure, Ikwuegbu said 12 mega structures were presently under construction with funding from TETFund.

“Many of these projects have been completed such as the 1,000 Capacity Auditorium, the College Administrative Building, the Agric Farm Complex, the School of Languages Complex etc while others are nearing completion.

“Every part of the college has been lit up with solar powered street lights that now make night in college to look like daytime,” she said.

The provost said the grand finale of the activities for the convocation week would be on Friday, March 11.

“The day wiil start with inauguration of some completed projects in the college.

“Then award of NCE and PDE certificates, conferrment of Honorary Fellowship, merit awards to deserving staff members and prizes to best graduating students,'” Ikwuegbu said

The Chairman, Governing Council of the College, Mr Doifie Buokoribo, the Registrar,

Mrs Lebechukwu Ojobor and the College's Ceremonials Chairman, Mr Godwin Ndu, were among those who graced the press briefing.