New OOPOLY SUG Executives Assume Office as Rector Calls for Better Student Leadership

Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, has inaugurated its newly elected Student Union Government (SUG) executives for the 2026/2027 academic session following the electronic election conducted on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

The inauguration marked the official transition from the outgoing SUG administration led by Comrade Ifeanyi Michael to the newly elected student leaders who will represent the interests of students during the new academic session.

The election was the third consecutive electronic voting exercise conducted by the Polytechnic since the assumption of office of the Rector, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu. It was also the first SUG election conducted through the institution’s newly developed portal bearing its current identity.

The electronic voting system allowed students to cast their ballots from their preferred locations, providing an alternative to the conventional process of gathering students at physical voting centres.

A total of 16 candidates were elected across various positions in the student union government. Ezekiel Effiong Etim emerged as SUG President, while Lucky Kalu Christian was elected Deputy President and Francis Chizoba Mary emerged as Vice President.

Speaking during the inauguration, the Rector commended the Electoral Committee, led by the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Chinyere Ezeh, for organising the election in collaboration with the Polytechnic’s ICT Unit.

Engr. Okoro described the election as free, fair and orderly, while acknowledging the efforts of the committee and technical team in ensuring the successful conduct of the electronic voting exercise.

The Rector also recognised the contributions of the outgoing SUG executives, led by Comrade Ifeanyi Michael, particularly their role in maintaining peace and stability within the Polytechnic throughout their tenure.

As part of the institution’s recognition of their service, Engr. Okoro announced that the outgoing executives would receive an additional two months’ allowance.

“Management will pay you extra two months allowance. Thank you for working so hard in serving the Polytechnic,” the Rector said.

He attributed the peaceful atmosphere within the institution to the cooperation between student leadership and management, stressing that disagreements should be addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation.

The Rector urged student leaders to understand that their positions come with responsibilities and called for constructive engagement whenever issues arise between students and management.

Addressing the newly inaugurated executives, Engr. Okoro challenged them to build on the achievements of their predecessors while addressing areas where the previous administration may not have met expectations.

“You must be looking forward, you must not look backward. Whatever they haven’t done well, try and do them well,” the Rector told the new leaders.

He also encouraged the executives to embrace sportsmanship in their dealings and assured them of management’s support as they begin their responsibilities of representing the student body.

The newly elected executives subsequently took their oaths of office, administered by the Head of the Polytechnic’s Legal Unit, Dr. Emeka Iroanya Esq.

Earlier, Dr. Chinyere Ezeh, who chaired the Electoral Committee, commended the Polytechnic management for advancing the institution’s election process through electronic voting.

She noted that the system helped reduce some of the logistical pressures associated with conventional elections while allowing students to participate from their preferred locations.

Dr. Ezeh also commended the outgoing SUG executives for their contribution to peace on campus and urged the newly elected leaders to uphold proper conduct and remain committed to the interests of the institution and students.

She encouraged the new executives to work together, maintain loyalty to the Polytechnic and approach their responsibilities with discipline and a strong sense of service.

In a valedictory address, the outgoing SUG executives expressed appreciation to the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, the Rector, the Dean of Student Affairs and the entire Polytechnic community for the support received during their tenure.

The formal inauguration followed the dissolution of the outgoing executive, completing the transition to the new SUG leadership for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The ceremony also provided an opportunity for the Rector to remind members of the Polytechnic community about the institution’s forthcoming 23rd Convocation ceremony, scheduled for December 4, 2026.

Engr. Okoro stated that certificates for graduands would be ready by the last Wednesday of the month, in line with the institution’s academic planning timetable.

The inauguration marks the beginning of a new administration for the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic SUG as the newly elected executives assume their respective responsibilities for the 2026/2027 academic session.