Awka:The Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association has announced a substantial investment in infrastructure and other projects at the institution.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the National President of the association, Nze Henry Nnebe, shared these updates during a gala night celebrating the association’s 40th anniversary in Awka, Anambra. Nnebe highlighted the association€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¾¢s significant contributions to the polytechnic’s development over the past four decades, focusing on infrastructure improvements, educational programs, and institutional support.
Among the key projects, Nnebe mentioned the construction of an alumni secretariat, a national secretariat complex, an alumni hostel project, and a modern gate at the Ufuma campus. The Ufuma campus gate alone is valued at over N40 million. The national secretariat complex, featuring administrative offices and a conference hall, was completed between 2015 and 2018. Meanwhile, the alumni hostel project, worth more than N300 million, has faced challenges in sustainability.
In addition to infrastructure, the association has launched initiatives aimed at fostering academic excellence and institutional heritage, such as the IBB Annual Lecture Series and Awards and the Oko Polymaths Hall of Fame. The association also introduced a program to welcome new rectors and strengthen relations with the polytechnic’s management.
The association has resolved a longstanding dispute through an out-of-court settlement, now operating with 10 functional branches, a Board of Trustees, and a Central Working Committee. Nnebe urged the polytechnic’s management to pursue dialogue and constructive engagement, emphasizing the partnership between the alumni and the institution.
Dr. Izuchukwu Nwabueze, Chairman of the anniversary’s Central Planning Committee, praised the polytechnic’s achievements in technical education and human capital development. He emphasized the importance of the 40th anniversary in celebrating the institution’s history and achievements, calling for continued cooperation between the alumni association and the polytechnic’s management.
Chief Tayo Ayinde, Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, acknowledged the distinguished reputation of the association’s members, although he could not attend the event in person. The anniversary also featured the unveiling of the Oko Polymaths Hall of Fame and recognized the contributions of the alumni over the years.