A 2-day Orientation Program For 2025/2026 Newly Recruited Staff

A 2-day Orientation Program was organised for the 2025/2026 batch of newly recruited staff of Dr Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba of which I was involved. The purpose of this orientation is to formally welcome us and educate us on the dos and don'ts of the institution, as well as their expectations from us and our own expectations from the management.

It was announced since 2 weeks ago and since then, I have been in expectation of it. Day 1 is for the junior staff while day 2 is for the senior staff. I am part of the senior staff and as such mine happened to be today which is the second day. It was slatted to begin by 10 am but due to Rector's engagement, it was started by 11.30 am. I was sure to be there well before time and took the pictures below

	with my colleague who is a non teaching staff
With my colleague in the medicals
	with my colleague in the department of Accountancy, same with me
My humble self
	the big banner announcing the orientation

It began with documentation. We must submit our staff identity number, write down our names, department and signature. Then we were handed a file jacket that contains a writing book and pen.

Then , it began as soon as the Rector of the Institution stepped in. A Rector is the highest personnel in the Polytechnic. He is the director and controller of the institution. He came in with his entourage which included the deputy Rector for Academic and the Deputy Rector for Administration. Along with other key personnels of the institution.

Everyone stood up to welcome them and then immediately, the National Anthems were sung both for the country, for the state and for the polytechnic., a prayer was said and the program began with the official introduction of those key personalities.

After which, there was an opening remarks from the conveners. Then the deputy Rectors were invited one after the other to give us their own words of encouragement and instructions. Followed by the Rector who gave us a welcome address and what we are expected of as the 001 of the institution. He then told us of our welfare package or remuneration for being present.

The Registrar of the institution came in to tell us educate us about the institution's organigram where we were made to understand the hierarchy and how the information and authority flows.

Next was the overall Academic Dean of studies. Other schools Deans are under him. He intimated us on the academic organigram and hierarchy as well as our functions and the don'ts as teaching staff.

Others had their turns including the SSP who is the HOD of the Personnel department. She gave us serious admonitions and stated what can make us to receive queries, sanctions, demotions as well as dismissals.

We were served a refreshment of Malt drink, bottled water and meat pie. Then there were presentations of well prepared articles from the pension officers and others.

_{the refreshment}

Next, we were told to take another attendance by the SSP who wants to use it against us in case we violate any rules. She wants to make sure that we won't be spared if after listening to these well prepared instructions and we choose to act otherwise. We can't escape the punishment.

In all, we were encouraged not to remain redundant without improving ourselves academically. We are to keep studying as to grow. We are to carry out researches and publish articles and papers. Hmmm, I pray that I became very useful and grow systematically.

_{the ongoing orientation with dignitaries seated. We were told to be mindful of our phones}

This orientation is said to be the first in the history of the institution. Never have they recruited these number of staff in a very long while and never have they given them this formal orientation. We are in deed privileged! I am grateful that I am one of those that received this orientation. I truly appreciate the organizers.

Next, we were handed over our welfare package in form of financial remuneration and we dismissed