UNDERSTANDING THE TECHNOLOGICAL RENAISSANCE IN FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, NEKEDE
BY: UGOCHUKWU IWUJI, PhD
Great deeds make bold imprints which history records for posterity. The ambitious Smart Campus Project of the Rector which earned him the sobriquet “smart Rector” was delivered with precision. The Rector had embarked on the project to purely digitize activities in the institution, without seeking any accolades. But history took note of it. Today, the Federal Polytechnic Nekede has become a Centre of Excellence in ICT, a feat that is laudable and noteworthy. Notably, the institution has not only computerized procedures in registration, screening and administration, it has also integrated computer-based exams in its test procedures. What this implies is that ICT compliance in the polytechnic is no longer a matter of choice, but culture. Thus, Dr Arimanwa envisions a polytechnic where technological inventions would naturally give the institution a global identity.
Today, the Federal Polytechnic under Rector Arimanwa, has just invented an electric car. This car is the end-product of the aggressive research development the Rector instigated in the institution. This car is unique in many ramifications. It does not utilize fossil fuel which leads to the pollution and degradation of the ecosystem. In other words, the electric car invented by the polytechnic is eco-friendly. In an era where Environmental Studies and consciousness are taking a centre stage, it is commendable that the polytechnic has come to add impetus to ecological consciousness. The duo of Cheryll Glofelty and Harold Fromm who propounded the Ecocritical Theory must be happy with the Arimanwa led administration for promoting eco-sanctity. It is commendable also that the electric car does not have an engine. This essentially makes it easy to maintain, making it ideal for low-income earners in any economy. Users would not therefore have to worry about engine parts and maintenance. Again, they may not have to worry about the source of energy to power the vehicle as it uses a solar panel which charges the battery that powers the vehicle. More importantly, the car is noiseless, a quality that reinforces its environmental friendliness. This is an invention with a difference, indeed.
Since news about the invention of the electric car broke out, there has been a frenzy of some sort among media houses who besiege the polytechnic to see the unique and take a ride. The Rector in his wisdom has promised to take the vehicle to an international innovation centre in Lagos to further showcase it to the world. According to him, “The polytechnic will take this project to Inov-8 hub which is connected to Skill G Innovation Centre Abuja, where potential investors from all over the world could see it and invest heavily on it. From there, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Science and Technology can take it over and enlist it in the budget.” Remarkably, materials used in manufacturing the vehicle were almost sourced locally, making it the first Nigerian electric car with considerable measure of local content. It is hoped that the needed support and partnership would be garnered soon to produce the car in commercial units. Indeed, it is a new dawn for science and technology at FedPoNek!...
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