The Rector of Akperan Orshi Polytechnic, AOPOLY, Yandev, Dr. Nombor Nicodemus Terkaa, has appealed to the Benue State government to employ more staff to prevent the consequences of manpower shortages.
Dr. Nombor made the appeal during the polytechnic’s 27th matriculation ceremony held on Thursday at the school.
According to the rector, many staff members have retired, while others are nearing retirement. He warned that if new hands, whether part-time or casual staff, are not recruited, the institution may soon face a severe workforce shortage.
“The Governing Council and Benue State government should assist in the gainful employment of casual staff and part-time lecturers to discourage idleness. An idle mind is a devil’s workshop,” he said.
Speaking on the issue of moral decadence in the society, Dr. Nombor said AOPOLY remained committed to delivering quality learning. He called on parents, guardians, and society at large to support the institution in instilling good character in students, stressing that producing well-rounded graduates was a collective responsibility. “The total upbringing of a child is not a one-man task,” he said.
The Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Victoria Terkumbur Pillah, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for teaching, learning, and research.
Welcoming the matriculating students, Dr. Pillah urged them to remain focused and committed to their studies, and avoid social vices. She encouraged them to take advantage of available opportunities and pursue programs that would add value to themselves, the institution, and society. She also thanked parents and guardians for their sacrifices and confidence in AOPOLY, urging them to continue supporting their wards.
Responding to the rector’s request for staff recruitment, Dr. Pillah assured that arrangements were underway and that the recruitment of part-time lecturers would commence as soon as the process was completed.
In their remarks, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, Dr. Tyover Ashinya; the Rector of Harry Pass Polytechnic Gboko; and the JAMB State Coordinator, Mr. Aondoakaa Annyon, represented by Mrs. Sewuese Iortyer, congratulated the matriculating students and advised them to shun social vices and take their studies seriously.
Meanwhile, 697 students were matriculated for the 2025/2026 academic session, across the Schools of Agriculture, Engineering, Management Sciences, Foundation Science, Vocational Studies, and the Weekend Programme.
