Auchi Polytechnic Seeks Expansion of Degree Affiliation Programmes with UNIZIK

The Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, has approached Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, to expand its existing affiliation arrangement to include additional degree programmes.

The delegation visited the Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at his office to strengthen the longstanding relationship between the two institutions and explore opportunities for introducing more programmes.

Speaking on behalf of the Rector, Mr. Okwilague Abdulai, a Governing Council member and the Rector’s representative, described the institutions as partners in progress, noting that their relationship had been mutually beneficial.

Abdulai said the delegation was encouraged by the Vice-Chancellor’s vision for expanding academic programmes at UNIZIK and appealed for Auchi Polytechnic to be included in the university’s plans. He explained that additional programmes would enable more polytechnic students to pursue university degrees.

Also speaking, the Director of Academic Planning at Auchi Polytechnic, Dr. Barr. Augustine E. Ainabor, congratulated Professor Anyaehie on his appointment and recalled that the affiliation arrangement between both institutions began in 2013.

Ainabor explained that the partnership initially covered four programmes but was subsequently reduced to three: Accounting, Business Administration and Estate Management.

He appealed for additional programmes, particularly in Engineering, Public Administration and Local Government Administration, among others, to broaden academic opportunities for students of the polytechnic.

Responding, Professor Anyaehie welcomed the delegation and expressed the university’s willingness to consider proposals that would expand access to knowledge and contribute to national development.

He directed the Director of Academic Planning and the Registrar to guide the delegation through the required procedures. He explained that any proposal would be submitted to the university Senate for consideration and, if approved, forwarded to the National Universities Commission (NUC) for the necessary accreditation.

Clarifying the requirements, UNIZIK’s Director of Academic Planning, Professor Angela Ufele-Obiesie, outlined the procedures for expanding the affiliation arrangement. These include an assessment of facilities at Auchi Polytechnic, approval by the university Senate and the NUC, and payment of applicable fees for assessment visits.

A resource person in the affiliation programme, Professor Austin Odum of UNIZIK’s Department of Accounting, reaffirmed his commitment and that of other university resource persons to maintaining academic standards.

Odum, who said his involvement with Auchi Polytechnic dated back to 2014, expressed confidence in the institution’s commitment to quality education.

In his vote of thanks, Abdulai, on behalf of the Governing Council and management of Auchi Polytechnic, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for receiving the delegation and considering its request.

Highlights of the visit included the presentation of a congratulatory plaque to Professor Anyaehie and an appreciation plaque to the Registrar, Dr. Chinenye Okeke. The delegation recognised Okeke for her outstanding service to the polytechnic, particularly her previous role as an admissions officer.

Other members of the delegation and participants included Dr. Aweh David Suru, Director of Degree Programmes at Auchi Polytechnic; Dr. Odia Robert I., Staff Adviser, Degree Programmes, Auchi Polytechnic; Professor Chinedu Onyeizugbe, Director of the UNIZIK Centre for Capital Market Studies; and Dr. Joseph Ejikeme of UNIZIK’s Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics.