Federal Polytechnic Oko Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, Named 2026 Public Servant of the Year at AMTY Awards

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has been honoured with the prestigious 2026 Public Servant of the Year Award at the Anambra Man of the Year, AMTY, Awards, in recognition of her exceptional leadership and outstanding contributions to public service and higher education.

The award was presented during a grand ceremony held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Stanel Dome Event Centre in Awka, where distinguished individuals from various sectors were celebrated for their remarkable impact on the development of Anambra State and Nigeria.

The annual AMTY Awards recognise outstanding personalities whose achievements have significantly advanced education, public administration, business, entrepreneurship, and national development. The 2026 edition attracted government officials, academics, business leaders, and other prominent Nigerians who gathered to honour excellence across different fields.

The keynote address at the ceremony was delivered by the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, who spoke on the importance of visionary leadership and sustained commitment to societal development.

Dr. Awuzie attended the event alongside her husband, Chief Fidelis Awuzie, members of the 12th Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, principal officers, deans, directors, and members of staff of the institution.

Reacting to the honour, the Rector expressed gratitude to the organisers for recognising her efforts, describing the award as both an honour and a renewed call to greater service. She dedicated the recognition to hardworking public servants across Nigeria, encouraging them to remain committed to integrity, excellence, and impactful service in their respective institutions.

She also appreciated the management, staff, and the entire Federal Polytechnic, Oko community for their unwavering support, noting that the achievement reflected the collective efforts of everyone working towards the institution's growth.

Chairman of the occasion, Professor Joe Ezigbo, congratulated all award recipients and urged them to sustain the values of excellence, leadership, and service that earned them the recognition. He encouraged them to continue making meaningful contributions to the development of Anambra State and the nation at large.

The Deputy Rector, Academic, Dr. Nkiruka Akabuike, described the award as a fitting recognition of Dr. Awuzie's dedication to public service and her transformative leadership at Federal Polytechnic, Oko.

According to her, the Rector has, within a relatively short period in office, implemented people-centred policies that have strengthened staff welfare, promoted transparency, and enhanced institutional stability. She noted that the administration has prioritised timely staff promotions, improved industrial harmony, and built stronger relationships with staff unions, creating a more peaceful and productive academic environment.

Dr. Akabuike further stated that the institution has become a model for effective workforce management, adding that the recognition reflects the growing national appreciation of the Rector's leadership and the remarkable progress being recorded at the Polytechnic.

Also speaking, the Dean of Students' Affairs, Comrade Chibuzo Asomugha, described the honour as a testament to Dr. Awuzie's visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing technical and vocational education.

He said her administration has played a significant role in repositioning Federal Polytechnic, Oko, as a leading institution within Nigeria's Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVET, sector while positively impacting students, staff, and the wider community through innovative reforms and inclusive leadership.

The 2026 Public Servant of the Year Award further reinforces the growing national recognition of the transformational achievements being recorded at Federal Polytechnic, Oko, under the leadership of Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, whose administration continues to drive institutional excellence, educational development, and public sector innovation.