History of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana

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Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana (formerly The Federal Polytechnic, Unwana – Afikpo) was established by Decree No.33 of 1979.

The Polytechnic effectively took off in November 1981 when the pioneer Rector late Engr. Dr. O. B. Epelle assumed duties at the temporary Office at Afikpo. Work then commenced on the rehabilitation of the Polytechnic’s temporary site at Okposi in Ohaozara Local Government Area of the then Imo State. At the same time, perimeter survey of the permanent site of the Institution at Unwana, in Afikpo Local Government Area commenced. On April 30, 1982, the Foundation Stone of the Polytechnic was laid at Unwana by the then Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Dr. Alex Ekwueme.

On May 27, 1982 the Institution admitted its first batch of 178 students for courses in Business Administration and Management, Secretarial studies, Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology and Mechanical Engineering Technology. The Institution has since included Accountancy, Civil Engineering Technology and Science Laboratory Technology Departments. Other departments which included Computer Science, Pre ND Science, Food Technology, Ceramic Technology, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Building Technology, Quantity Surveying, Estate Management, Surveying and GeoInformatics Technology, Architectural Technology, Mathematics/Statistics, Agricultural Technology, Public Administration, Marketing and Pre ND Business Studies had since been accredited. Most of these departments run programmes in both National and Higher National Diploma Courses.

On September 25, 1982, the Polytechnic was officially declared open at a matriculation ceremony which marked the formal admission of the first batch of students. The student population has grown from 178 in 1981/82 to more than 5000 in 2010/2011 session.

On the 9th of June, 1987, the Polytechnic moved to its permanent site from where it operates now. Unwana the permanent home of the Institution is a town by the bank of the Cross River. Unwana people have a rich culture as well as a conducive environment for academic pursuits.

PHILOSOPHY OF THE POLYTECHNIC

The philosophy of the polytechnic is embodied in her MOTTO which is “SKILL FOR TECHNOLOGICAL FREEDOM”. The philosophy is principally aimed at inculcating in students and staff the discipline of hard-work to be able to acquire both the practical and theoretical skills necessary for self reliance. The Logo shows the local pottery/ceramics, one of the mankind’s earliest technologies. Inside the pot with a gear wheel stopper are ears of rice an expression of the link between agriculture technology and engineering technology. The entire conception is a symbol of motion to modern
technology. The objectives of the Polytechnic are in keeping with the Federal Government policy on Technical Education, which broadly stated, are:

(a) To provide trained manpower in applied Science, Technology and Commerce particularly on sub-professional grades;

(b) To provide the technical knowledge and vocational skills necessary for agricultural, industrial, commercial and economic development;
(c) To provide people who can apply scientific knowledge to the improvement and solution of environmental problems for the use and convenience of man;(d) To give an introduction to professional studies in engineering and other Technologies;

(e) To give training and impart the necessary skills leading to the production of craftsman, technicians and other skilled personnel who will be enterprising and self-reliant; and

(f) To enable our young men and women to have an intelligent understanding of the increasing complexity of technology.

Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana in its 30 years of existence from October 1981 till date has not only lived and performed creditably within expectation but well above board.