OOPOLY Immortalises Former Acting Rector, Names Retrofitted Auditorium After Her

The Management of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, has immortalised its immediate past Acting Rector, Engr. Mrs. Chidinma Martha Ndukwe, by naming the institution’s newly retrofitted auditorium after her in recognition of her service to the Polytechnic.

The decision was announced during a retirement reception held after the institution’s monthly Academic Board meeting, where the Polytechnic community also presented her with cash gifts, office equipment and commendation messages in appreciation of her years of service.

The Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu, said the honour symbolises the institution’s appreciation of a leader whose cooperation facilitated a seamless transition of administration when he assumed office in March 2024.

According to him, Ndukwe ensured that there was no vacuum in institutional leadership by making available every document and administrative detail required for a smooth handover.

“For one day, she did not withhold any information from me,” the Rector said, adding that the cordial working relationship they shared remains a model of institutional teamwork.

He maintained that enduring institutions are built on cooperation rather than individual accomplishments, noting that every achievement recorded by the present administration has been driven by collective effort across the Polytechnic.

Beyond the recognition, the Management presented the former Acting Rector with a complete set of office equipment to support her retirement activities, while staff, academic units and professional bodies within the institution made separate cash presentations in her honour.

The Polytechnic also announced a ₦2 million retirement gift for the former Acting Rector.

Among those who paid tributes were the Student Affairs Division, the outgoing Students’ Union Government, the School of Science and Industrial Technology (SSIT), the School of Mass Communication, Media and Legal Studies (SMCM&LS), the School of Engineering Technology (SET), the School of Environmental Design and Technology (SEDT), the School of Management and Business Technology (SMBT), the General Studies Department (GNS), the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Chief Lecturers, Item Representatives, the Polytechnic Fellowship (Chapel of Mercy) and members of Management.

The various groups acknowledged Engr. Ndukwe’s years of service and contributions to the development of the institution.

The event was also attended by the Chief Executive Officer of Shagas Group of Companies, Mr. Ugochukwu Shaga, and members of his delegation, who were on campus ahead of the Shagas Cup final.

Responding to the honour, Engr. Ndukwe expressed gratitude to the Polytechnic community, saying she never imagined that the institution would celebrate her retirement on such a scale.

She recalled praying for God to raise a Rector who would attract greater government attention to the Polytechnic, adding that she believes the institution has continued to attract greater government attention under the administration of Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu.

“What I said casually has left me in awe. I never expected the Polytechnic to honour me in this manner. My name will remain part of this institution because you all made it possible,” she said.

Engr. Ndukwe was appointed Acting Rector on June 5, 2023, becoming the first woman to head the institution. She served until March 18, 2024, when Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu was appointed substantive Rector.