Takoradi, Oct.7, GNA 97 The Rector of the Takoradi Polytechnic, the Reverend Professor Daniel Nyarko, has cautioned fresh students to the polytechnic to resist occultism, drug abuse, alcoholism, trafficking and other social vices.

He said such behaviours are inimical to their personal development and against the rules and regulations of the school and could result in the dismissal of perpetrators.

Rev. Prof. Nyarko gave the warning at the 21st Matriculation Ceremony of the Takoradi Polytechnic at Takoradi, on Friday. He said the polytechnic received 3,731 applicants of which 2,165 made up of 1,616 males and 549 females were admitted to pursue the Bachelor of Technology and Higher National Diploma programmes. The Rector added that 384 were admitted to the School of Engineering, 1,130 to the School of Business, 491 to the School of Applied Arts, 91 to the School of Applied Science and 69 to the Bachelor of Technology Degree programme.

Prof. Nyarko charged the freshmen and women to learn assiduously and always put their academic work before any other business in order to achieve their goals in life.

"It's absolutely important that you remain focused on your vision if you want to make any meaningful progress," he advised. "If it is your desire to graduate with a First Class Honours Diploma, begin working hard from today."

He charged them to eschew laziness, procrastination and any disorderly behaviour and distractions that would prevent them from achieving their aims and aspirations.

The Rector entreated them to channel their difficulties and grievances through the appropriate chain of authority rather than resorting to demonstrations and destruction of school property. Prof. Nyarko announced the completion of the School of Applied Arts' block, which started about eight years ago, adding that it would enhance teaching and learning.

He added that the polytechnic would soon cut the sod for the construction of a modern state-of-the-art building, which would pave the way for the commencement of the study of Process Engineering and Instrumentation and Control programmes. As a result, four staff of the polytechnic have undergone a "training-the-trainer" programme in the United Kingdom to assist in the teaching of the course.

The Rector said Tullow Ghana Limited and its Jubilee Partners are providing funding for the project

He said the polytechnic would continue to introduce new and relevant programmes in the oil and gas studies to train more people to work in the petroleum industry.

The Western Region Minister, Mr. Paul Evans Aidoo, in a speech read for him charged the matriculants to set high academic and moral standards and work diligently towards achieving their goals in life. He admonished them to be focused; modest and disciplined in all their endeavours in order to serve as role models to the society. Mr. Aidoo entreated them to strive and acquire knowledge and skills that would enable them to help solve societal challenges to make the world a better place to live.

The Acting Registrar for the Polytechnic, Dr. Michael Adusei Boadu, took the matriculants through the Matriculation Oath and charged them to be loyal and abide by the statues, rules and regulations of the school. 07 Oct. 11