Federal Polytechnic Oko Celebrates Nine Lessons and Carols, Rewards Staff with Rice and Service Awards

The Management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, led by the Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, on Friday, December 19, distributed bags of rice to staff as Christmas gifts during the 2025 Nine Lessons and Carols ceremony held at the institution.

The event also featured the recognition and reward of staff members who distinguished themselves through exceptional service and dedication to the Polytechnic. Honoured staff included Engr. Prince Nwankwo, who received the Brand Ambassador Award; Dr. Gift Eyisi, Most Friendly Staff Award (Female Category); Mr. Sylvester Nwafor, Most Hardworking Staff Award; Engr. Dr. John Egbunike Ananti, Most Friendly Staff Award (Male Category); and Mr. Fidelis Alor of the Public Relations Unit, honoured as the Most Dedicated Staff.

Other award recipients were Mr. Ikechukwu Chinekwu of the Bursary Unit, who received the Most Diligent Staff Award, and the immediate past President of the Students’ Union Government, Odumegwu Chinecherem, who was honoured with the Outstanding Students’ Union Award.

The Nine Lessons and Carols ceremony attracted former Rectors of the Polytechnic, friends of the institution, staff, and students. Chaplains from St. Augustine’s Chaplaincy, Chapel of the Light, and Chapel of the Transfiguration, all within Federal Polytechnic Oko, were also in attendance.

Musical performances were delivered by the renowned Nkwa Group led by Sis. Amara O., alongside choirs from St. Augustine’s Chaplaincy, Chapel of the Light, and Chapel of the Transfiguration.

In her Christmas message, Dr. Awuzie described the Nine Lessons and Carols as an opportunity for reflection on the birth of Jesus Christ and its moral significance. She emphasized that Christmas represents a call to unity, love, compassion, humility, and mutual respect, urging the Polytechnic community to embrace the spirit of onye aghala nwanne ya and omume ezi omume.

Quoting Isaiah 9:6, the Rector reaffirmed hope and reassurance amid challenges, noting that light continues to shine despite uncertainty. She expressed appreciation to students, parents, and academic, administrative, and technical staff for their resilience, professionalism, and sacrifices throughout the year.

Dr. Awuzie highlighted several institutional milestones achieved during the year, including the approval of the 2026 appraisal and promotion report for academic and non-teaching staff by the Governing Council at its 124th Regular Meeting, effective January 2026, with promotion letters to be issued shortly.

She also announced the imminent commencement of operations at the Senator Barnabas Gemade Medical Centre, Ufuma, following the full procurement of required equipment and facilities. In addition, she disclosed that the resuscitated Moment FM Radio in the Department of Mass Communication had received its energy infrastructure, currently under installation, to enable full broadcasting.

According to the Rector, the ICT Experience Centre, a Federal Government pilot initiative under the Office of the First Lady and sponsored by TETFund, has reached about 65 percent completion, while work has resumed on the Hospitality and Hotel Complex after project revalidation by TETFund. She further noted that additional student chairs and desks have been delivered and are being installed across lecture halls on the Oko campus.

Dr. Awuzie described these developments as symbols of renewal, progress, and hope, reflecting the steady repositioning of Federal Polytechnic Oko for relevance, excellence, and national impact. She concluded by calling on staff and students to uphold peace, discipline, and institutional pride, urging them to actively promote and protect the image of the Polytechnic.