The Federal College of Education (FCE), Okene, on Friday matriculated 126 students into its newly established degree programmes.
Speaking at the maiden matriculation ceremony for the 2025/2026 academic session held at the college auditorium, the Provost, Dr. Ibrahim Ismaila Mosimabale, described the event as historic.
According to him, the attainment of autonomous status was the culmination of decades of aspiration by the institution, noting that the quest began in the 1990s but was only recently realised following successful resource verification by the National Universities Commission.
“This development is a milestone not only for the college but also for members of staff who have contributed immensely to this achievement,” he said.
He commended staff and members of the Dual Mandate Committee for their dedication, expressing confidence that the institution possesses the human and infrastructural capacity to sustain the programmes.
The Provost disclosed that the college currently boasts over 60 Ph’D holders and more than 190 Master’s degree holders, alongside ongoing infrastructural upgrades, including remodeled classrooms, a new modern library, and a convocation arena under construction.
Mosimabale appealed to stakeholders, particularly political leaders and industrialists in Kogi State, to support the growth of the institution, drawing parallels with the evolution of the University of Ibadan from a college to a globally recognised university.
Addressing the matriculating students, the Provost urged them to uphold the institution’s tradition of academic excellence and discipline, noting that as the pioneer set of the degree programme, they carry the responsibility of setting standards for others to follow.
He warned against social vices such as examination malpractice, cultism, and indecent behaviour, stressing that the college maintains zero tolerance for misconduct.
On security, Mosimabale assured that measures had been strengthened to protect lives and property on campus, including the installation of surveillance cameras, plans for perimeter fencing, and collaboration with security agencies such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
