Oko Community Throws Weight Behind Rector, Calls for Resuscitation of Alex Ekwueme Annual Lecture

The National President of the Oko People’s Union (OPU), Nze Sunday Nwafor, has assured the 12th Governing Council and management of the Federal Polytechnic Oko, led by Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, of the community’s unwavering support and cooperation.

Community leaders praised the Rector for her open leadership style and notable achievements within six months in office, including the recent free medical outreach conducted in Oko.

The OPU leadership, during a courtesy visit to the Rector on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, also called on the school authority to revive the Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme Annual Lecture Series, which was initiated by former Rector, Prof. Godwin Onu.

In his address, the National President urged the management to uphold the legacies and vision of the late Dr. Ekwueme, which he said included human capital development, a peaceful environment, and cordial relations between the host community and the Polytechnic. He also encouraged the Rector to sustain social responsibility projects in Oko and increase student enrolment.

The community further appealed to the Polytechnic to assist students in accessing the recently introduced Federal Government Students Loan, re-accredit existing courses, and introduce new programmes.

Responding, Dr. Awuzie expressed delight over the visit, pledging to end any form of discord between the institution and the host community. She emphasized the importance of reviving the Annual Lecture Series, adding that her administration plans to hold it bi-annually.

The Rector revealed that the Polytechnic recently secured accreditation for nine programmes, including new ones, from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). She added that applications for resource inspection have been submitted for additional programmes such as Nursing Technology, Pharmaceutical Technology, and Legal Studies.

She reaffirmed her commitment to respecting and cooperating with the host community.

The Oko delegation included national officers of the OPU, representatives of the Oko Council of Chiefs, leaders of the OPU Women Wing, Umuada Oko, and Oko Youths, as well as members of the Association of Oko Indigenous Staff of the Federal Polytechnic Oko. Also present were community leaders, stakeholders, and Hon. Okonkwo Okom, a two-term member of the Polytechnic’s Governing Council.