The Management and Academic Board of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa (FEDPONAS), have formally announced the schedule for the 2025/2026 Academic Session Matriculation Ceremony. This significant academic milestone serves as the official induction for newly admitted National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) students into the polytechnic community.

In an official communiqué issued by the Office of the Dean of Students Affairs, the institution confirmed that the ceremony will take place on Tuesday, 24th February 2026. This event is not merely a celebration but a statutory requirement where students take a formal oath to uphold the academic standards and disciplinary codes of the institution.

Schedule of Events and Logistics

The ceremony is meticulously planned to reflect the academic tradition of the polytechnic. Students, staff, and guests are expected to adhere to the following timeline:

• Arrival and Seating: All matriculating students are strictly required to be seated by 8:30 a.m. to ensure an orderly commencement.

• Official Commencement: The ceremony will start promptly at 9:00 a.m.

• Primary Venue: The Twin Theater, located adjacent to the ICT Building.

• Procession Point: The Academic Procession, involving the Rector and members of the Academic Board, will begin at the Center of Flexible Skills.

The Significance of the Matriculation Oath

Matriculation represents the legal entry point for studentship. At Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, the ceremony is built around the “Matriculation Oath,” which is administered by the Registrar. By taking this oath, students pledge:

1. To be of good conduct and maintain high moral standards.

2. To obey the Rector and the various officers of the Polytechnic.

3. To abstain from any activities that would bring the name of the institution into disrepute, specifically citing a zero-tolerance policy for cultism and examination malpractice.

Following the oath, students are required to sign the Matriculation Register. This document is the legal evidence of enrollment; any student who fails to sign the register after the ceremony is not recognized as a bonafide student of the institution, regardless of their admission status.

Directives for Matriculating Students

To ensure a hitch-free ceremony, the Dean of Students Affairs has outlined several mandatory requirements for the 2025/2026 cohort:

1. Academic Regalia (Matriculation Gown)

All matriculants must appear in the approved academic regalia. Gowns are typically obtained through the various Faculty Offices or the Central Stores upon presentation of a payment receipt.

• Collection: Students should ensure they collect their gowns at least 48 hours before the ceremony.

• Return Policy: Academic gowns must be returned to the point of collection by the close of work on the Thursday following the ceremony. Late returns often attract a daily penalty fee.

2. Finalization of Registration

Management emphasizes that only students who have completed their physical screening and paid their school fees in full are eligible for matriculation. Students with “Pending” status on the portal are urged to visit the ICT center immediately to resolve any registration bottlenecks.

3. Discipline and Dress Code

Beyond the academic gown, students are expected to dress decently in corporate or formal traditional attire. The use of the academic gown over casual wear like jeans or unauthorized headgear is strictly prohibited.

Institutional Governance and the Rector’s Address

The Rector, on behalf of the Academic Board, will deliver the Matriculation Address. This speech serves as the official welcome and the first major charge to the new students. It typically outlines the polytechnic’s vision, current infrastructural developments, and the expectations of the industry regarding the technical skills the students are about to acquire.

Under the current leadership, Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, has focused heavily on the Center of Flexible Skills, which serves as the starting point for the academic procession. This center highlights the institution’s shift towards vocational competence and entrepreneurship, ensuring that graduates are not just certificate holders but job creators.

Guidelines for Parents, Guardians, and Guests

The institution extends a warm invitation to the parents and well-wishers of the matriculants. However, due to the solemn nature of the academic procession:

• Traffic Control: Security personnel will be stationed at the main gate and the ICT building axis to manage traffic.

• Photography: Unauthorized photographers are not allowed within the inner perimeter of the Twin Theater once the procession has entered.

• Seating for Guests: A designated area outside the main theater will be provided with screens for guests to view the proceedings if the hall reaches maximum capacity.

Pre-Ceremony Checklist for Students

Final Word

As Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, prepares to welcome the 2025/2026 session, the management reiterates that matriculation is the beginning of a rigorous but rewarding journey. Students are encouraged to take the oath seriously and utilize the facilities, such as the state-of-the-art ICT building and the Twin Theater, to enhance their learning experience.