Students of the Department of Mechanical Engeneering, Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State, have invented a machine for mixing of sand for casting.
According to the project supervisor, Mr Adamu Yahaya, the machine, which is called the Batch Muller, is made up a cylindrical pan, two heavy rollers, a vertical shaft, a gear box, a scraper, chassis frame, two ploughs and a motor that rotates with the aid of electricity.
The project, which was tested and approved by the supervisor, was executed by Lawrence Uchechukwu and Adegboyega Micheal, both students of the department, as a partial fulfilment required for their graduation in the department.
Meanwhile, the matriculating students of the polytechnic have been advised to avoid getting involved in cultism if they must graduate from the institution.
The Rector of the polytechnic, Engineer Abdullahi Sule gave this advice while speaking at the matriculation ceremony held for newly admitted students for the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 academic sessions.
“Getting involved in cultism as well as other antisocial activities can tarnish the image of the institution as well as that of the parents of such students,” he stated.
Sule who spoke at the Bagudu Waziri Auditorium, venue of the ceremony added that “engaging yourself in any form of vices such as cultism, examination malpractice, indecent dressing and drug abuse will jeopardise your future.
“Remember that the Federal Government in 1979 prohibited secret societies, and any students found involved in any secret society will be expelled.”
The Rector also advised students to always remember their primary aim of coming to the institution, which is to acquire knowledge and skills, and to balance their spiritual life with academics for meaningful life.
“Always strive to know the truth and don’t patronise rumours, as rumours are dangerous and can be very destructive. It is for you to be able to sift what is good and hold on to it and reject what is bad,” he said
He further stated that there are plans underway by the polytechnic to commence a National Diploma (ND) Programme in Welding and Fabrication, Computer Engineering, Pharmacy Technology, Horticultural Technology, Industrial and Labour Relation, Purchase & Supply and Tourism; and also Higher National Diploma (HND) programme in Purchase & Supply and Tourism as soon as the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) gives the approval.
Omoyaki Emmanuel Ayemoba and Popoola Isaac
(Department of Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic, Bida)