OKORO HIGHLIGHTS REFORMS, GROWTH AT OGBONNAYA ONU POLYTECHNIC’S 32ND MATRICULATION
The ambience of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba (formerly Abia State Polytechnic) was transformed into a spectacle of colours and marked by an unending influx of notable personalities from far and near during its 32nd Matriculation Ceremony held on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
The atmosphere was vibrant and electrifying, stretching from the main entrance of the renowned institution to the Polytechnic Pavilion and the expansive school playground.
Attendance was unprecedented, as parents, guardians, relatives, friends, and well-wishers gathered in large numbers to celebrate the new intakes (matriculants) on this significant milestone in their academic journey.
As customary, the epoch-making ceremony commenced with a long procession of the matriculating students, followed by that of the Rector, Engr. Dr. Christopher Kalu Okoro.
After they were duly seated, the ceremony progressed seamlessly from one stage to another.
The National Anthem, Abia State Anthem, and the Polytechnic Anthem were rendered in that order, followed by the opening prayer and presentation of kola nuts.
Thereafter, the Rector, Engr. Dr. Christopher Kalu Okoro, formally welcomed dignitaries to the institution’s 32nd Matriculation Ceremony.
Among those present were the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, who represented the Governor of Abia State; the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Nmeregini (Ugolee); the Majority Leader and House Committee Chairman on Education, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu; and other members of the Abia State House of Assembly.
Also in attendance were the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Nwaobilor Ananaba; the General Manager of ASEPA, Mazi Ogbonnaya Okereke; the Accountant General of Abia State, Dr. (Mrs.) Njum Onyemenam; the Mayor of Arochukwu LGA, Prof. Chibuike Eze Aru; and the Provost of ASCETA, Prof. Idowu Eluwa, among others.
In his address, the Rector expressed profound gratitude to God for guiding him since he assumed office two years ago.
He attributed the transformation of the institution within this period to divine intervention and the support of the Abia State Government under the distinguished leadership of Governor Alex Chioma Otti (OFR).
Describing the occasion as significant, Okoro noted that it marked his third matriculation ceremony as Rector and coincided with the second anniversary of his administration.
Reflecting on his assumption of office shortly before the Polytechnic’s 30th matriculation, he stated that the institution required urgent and far-reaching reforms, which have since been actualized through deliberate policies and strategic leadership.
He commended Governor Alex Chioma Otti (OFR), describing him as “Chioma Ndi Abia,” “Ekwueme Governor,” “the Master Painter of our time,” and the ever-present, quintessential Visitor of the Polytechnic, for his unwavering support and commitment to the institution’s growth.
According to him, the government’s intervention has enabled the Polytechnic to achieve remarkable progress within a short period.
Addressing the Governor, the Rector expressed appreciation, noting that the administration had provided all the necessary support requested by the institution and fulfilled key promises.
He stated that the management, staff, and students were committed to reciprocating the support and would demonstrate their appreciation, particularly in the 2027 election.
He added that the institution stands as one of the undeniable proofs of the Governor’s impactful leadership.
He further emphasized that the Governor’s visionary leadership and unwavering support have been instrumental in repositioning the Polytechnic for excellence.
On behalf of the management, staff, and students, he expressed deep appreciation and reaffirmed their commitment to justify the confidence reposed in them.
The Rector highlighted key reforms implemented by his administration, including the expansion of academic programmes in line with global trends, a strengthened focus on technology and vocational training, and improved efficiency in academic administration covering registration, teaching, and examinations.
He added that the management has eliminated all forms of student exploitation, improved staff welfare through the clearance of nearly forty months’ salary arrears, ensured regular salary payments, and facilitated the release of long-overdue promotions.
Okoro also disclosed that the Polytechnic recorded its highest student intake through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) this year, attributing this achievement to renewed public confidence in the institution.
On infrastructure, Okoro said the Polytechnic had witnessed significant upgrades, including the construction of modern classrooms, improved campus aesthetics, and the provision of conducive working spaces for staff, among others.
He further announced that the newly admitted students would be among the first to benefit from upgraded facilities at the institution’s Osisioma Campus, including modern hostels and an enhanced learning environment, describing this as a major milestone.
Addressing the matriculating students, the Rector urged them to remain focused on their studies, stressing that success can only be achieved through diligence, discipline, and regular class attendance.
Okoro assured students of an open-door policy, encouraging them to channel their concerns through appropriate avenues while reaffirming the management’s commitment to providing a conducive academic environment.
He warned against involvement in cultism and other unlawful activities, reiterating that the Polytechnic maintains zero tolerance for such practices and would not hesitate to sanction offenders.
As a father figure entrusted with their academic journey, he offered prayers for the students, expressing hope that they would be guided by wisdom, strengthened in knowledge and character, preserved from harm, granted success in all their endeavours, and emerge as responsible and impactful citizens.
The Rector also appreciated key stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, for her unwavering support; the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa; the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Nmeregini; Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu; and other members of the State House of Assembly for their commitment to educational development, as well as the Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Chief Stanley Egege, for his quality leadership.
He further acknowledged the support of JAMB and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for their accreditation efforts.
He also appreciated NELFUND for its engagement with students, and Chief Chijioke James Umeh (Ike Abam) for his brotherly love and unwavering support to the institution.
Okoro also commended the contributions of his management team and the entire staff for their dedication.
He extended heartfelt appreciation to his wife, Mrs. Geraldine Onyinyechi Okoro, and their children for their unwavering love and support, describing them as his pillar of strength, inspiration, and peace.
After his keynote address, the matriculating students were formally presented to him, and he welcomed them into the institution, wishing them a fulfilling and successful academic journey.
Thereafter, dignitaries from across the nation’s education sector delivered goodwill messages.
Representing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Deputy Director, Mrs. Ugoeze Azubuike, described the ceremony as a defining moment in the lives of the students.
She noted that the scheme, established by the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ensures that no qualified Nigerian student is denied access to tertiary education due to financial constraints.
She explained that the fund provides zero-interest loans covering tuition and other academic needs, with payments made directly to institutions after due verification.
Beneficiaries also receive a monthly upkeep allowance of ₦20,000, with repayment commencing two years after graduation and employment, at ten percent deducted from the beneficiary’s monthly salary.
Azubuike urged students to apply through the official portal at www.nelfund.gov.ng and encouraged parents to support their children in accessing the opportunity.
She commended the Rector, Engr. Dr. C. K. Okoro, for inviting NELFUND to engage with the students.
In her remarks, a representative of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) expressed admiration for the institution’s motto, “Towards Excellence in Technology,” noting that the Polytechnic holds a special place in the esteem of the regulatory body, while praising the Rector for his outstanding leadership.
Also speaking, the Abia State Coordinator of JAMB, Mrs. Juliet C. Aniekwe, conveyed the goodwill message of the Registrar/Chief Executive, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.
She congratulated the institution and lauded the Rector, who also serves as the Abia State JAMB Chief External Examiner, describing his appointment as well deserved.
She urged the students to remain disciplined, adhere to institutional regulations, and commit themselves to their studies, assuring them of a brighter future.
A representative of Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu, congratulated the Polytechnic community on what he described as a significant milestone.
He noted the impressive growth in student enrolment and programme development, wishing the matriculants a successful academic journey culminating in a memorable convocation.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Gregory University, Uturu, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Uwaoma Uche, commended the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Chioma Otti for its transformative strides in the education sector.
He described the Rector as a visionary leader and urged the students to take advantage of the conducive learning environment to excel academically and morally.
Similarly, the Director of Academic Planning, Federal Polytechnic, Isuochi, Engr. Dr. Victor Obinna Nkeleme, emphasized that matriculation signifies the beginning of a transformative journey that shapes both character and career.
He challenged the students to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and adaptability in an increasingly competitive world, stressing that technical education must go beyond certification to produce solutions and drive economic growth.
He also commended the Rector for the visible transformation in the institution.
Representing the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, the Deputy Rector (Academic), Prof. Iwe Obinna Chukwuma, expressed admiration for the remarkable improvements in the institution, describing the Rector as principled and result-driven.
He encouraged the students to take their studies seriously and make the institution proud, while urging the management to sustain its commitment to skill-based education.
Members of the Abia State House of Assembly also lent their voices in support of the institution.
The Majority Leader and House Committee Chairman on Education, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu, commended the Rector for repositioning the Polytechnic into a centre of excellence and pledged continued legislative support, while encouraging students to remain focused and committed to their academic pursuits.
The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Nmeregini, speaking on behalf of the 8th Assembly, reaffirmed the legislature’s readiness to partner with the institution in advancing its development goals.
He urged the matriculating students to uphold the values enshrined in their matriculation oath and strive for academic excellence, noting that success requires discipline, hard work, and integrity.
The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, expressed delight at the transformation of the Polytechnic, recalling its modest beginnings and highlighting its current growth, with 5,000 students matriculating.
She attributed the progress to the visionary leadership of Governor Alex Chioma Otti and the collaborative efforts of stakeholders in the education sector.
Reading the Governor’s address, she conveyed his congratulations to the matriculating students and appreciation to parents and guardians for their sacrifices.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing education, noting that the sector consistently receives about 20 percent of the state’s annual budget.
He highlighted ongoing investments in infrastructure, staff welfare, and institutional development, including the strategic relocation to the Osisioma Campus.
According to him, the goal is to transform Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic into a world-class institution known for academic excellence, innovation, and the production of globally competitive graduates.
Governor Otti urged students to remain disciplined, innovative, and focused, emphasizing that education must be practical and skill-driven.
He also commended the Rector, Governing Council, Management, and Staff for their dedication, calling for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to achieve the institution’s long-term vision.
In a chat with journalists, the Dean of the School of Business and Management Technology (SBMT), Dr. Chinweoke Nwaeze, described the 32nd Matriculation Ceremony as unique and remarkable compared to previous editions.
According to him, the event recorded a significant increase in student enrolment, with a large number of admissions coming through JAMB—the highest in the past twelve years.
He noted that the large turnout of parents, guardians, and well-wishers, even late into the evening, reflected growing public confidence in the Polytechnic.
Dr. Nwaeze urged the matriculating students to remain focused on their studies, emphasizing that academic commitment should take precedence over all other activities.
He further encouraged them to take advantage of Aba’s reputation as a hub of entrepreneurship and innovation by acquiring practical skills alongside their academic pursuits.
According to him, combining formal education with vocational skills would better position them for success in today’s competitive environment.
He concluded with a prayer for parents and guardians, expressing hope that God would continue to provide for them despite prevailing economic challenges, enabling them to support their children in achieving their academic goals.
The ceremony was widely regarded as a huge success and marked another milestone in the Polytechnic’s ongoing efforts to reposition itself as a centre of academic and technological excellence.
