*Projects commissioned, attention paid to staff, students welfare
By David Onwuchekwa
The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anamabra State, Dr Chioma Awuzie has declared her readiness to take the institution to a higher level as she marks her 100 days in office.
Dr Awuzie since her appointment as the substantive Rector of the Federal Poly, Oko by President Bola Tinubu early this year said she has been busy working on a 12-point agenda with new innovations, resuscitating moribund projects and bringing new ones on board.
She disclosed this in a press briefing to mark her journey so far for the past 100 days in office.
Dr Awuzie declared her commitment to make a difference and her preparedness to work relentlessly to change the narrative of the higher institution in the positive direction.
The Rector said she had come to serve, strengthen academic excellence, rebuild trust, build infrastructure and restore the dignity and pride of the Oko Poly.
She disclosed that the early days of her administration were challenging but well inspiring. Dr Awuzie said her belief in success, resilience and creative instincts added to the immense potential in the institution have kept her going and enabled her to record early success.
She said she has paid attention to human resource development and staff welfare which she noted had added impetus to smooth administration of the Polytechnic.
Dr Awuzie said she has demonstrated deep commitment to create a motivated, productive and inclusive workforce in the Polytechnic, adding that she has also prioritized academic reinvention and programme development.
Her administration, according to her, has initiated far-reaching reforms aimed at redefining the institution’s academic trajectory, disclosing that she has come up with several novel academic programmes to expand the academic horizons of the Polytechnic.
She disclosed that her administration has paid attention to students’ welfare. She told journalists and stakeholders present that she approved 7% reduction in school fees to ease the financial burden on the parents and guardians.
“My administration has taken bold reforms that have succeeded in fostering discipline, anti-cultism and security, academic integrity, cordial relationship with stakeholders, financial transformation, infrastructure development, among others.
“I appreciated God Almighty for his guidance and grace throughout the journey. I also appreciate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for approving my appointment as the substantive Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko; I appreciate the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa for his steadfast support and the pivotal roles he played in facilitating the process; I appreciate the entire leadership and officials of the Federal Ministry of Education for their diligence, professionalism and commitment to excellence.
“I also express my profound gratitude to the Chairman of the Governing Council, Distinguished Senator Barnabas Gemade and the esteemed members of the Council.
“We have tried to demonstrate that positive change is possible in the Federal Polytechnic, Oko. Now that it is confirmed, we can quickly engage in the detailed implementation of the 12-point agenda.
“It is with great joy and firm optimism that I welcome you once again not just to celebrate the victories of 100 days but to cast a visionary gaze into the future, a future of boundless promise, transformation, and renewed academic glory for the Federal Polytechnic, Oko.
“Having laid a solid foundation in just 100 days, marked by passion, inclusiveness, and transformative result, it is time to journey forward with confidence, “she concluded.
Dr Awuzie made a promise that in the next four years and eight months, her administration would make more positive impacts in the area of consolidation, expansion, modernization, and ultimately, transformation of the Oko Poly.
Activities to mark the 100 days in office celebration were novelty football tournament and free medical outreach at Oko Civic Center, a visit to Chinonso Hospital, Oko where the Rector paid hospital bills for some indigent patients.
Several projects including security posts 1, 2 and 3; staff sports club and guest house, Polytechnic printing press; Polytechnic bakery; bottled water factory and Senator Barnabas Gemade Medical Center at Ufuma campus of the Polytechnic were commissioned by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa.
There were also awards presentation to members of the staff who distinguished themselves in their duties.
