The Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association has conferred the Iconic Ambassador Award on the Ag.Rector, Dr Ubaka Chukwugekwu. The award was presented to the Ag.Rector at the 2nd General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida annual lecture series themed “Challenges and Crisis in Polytechnic Administration in Nigeria:The interplay of Supervisory bodies, Governing Councils, Management and Alumni”. While delivering his speech at the event, Dr. Ubaka commended the Alumni Association for their contribution to the growth of Federal Polytechnic Oko and called for greater collaboration between the Polytechnic Management and the Alumni Association. He also charged the Alumni Association to make concerted effort to bring into the fold more alumni members who are yet to identify with the body.
He used the opportunity to highlight the achievements of his administration within four months in office. These include streamlining of the multiple fees payable by students in the Institution. Granting of special amnesty examination to enable students who had overstayed to graduate. Restoration of sanity and creation of befitting environment deserving of an educational institution. Creation of Economics and Legal studies department to be housed in the school of General Studies. Redeployment of academic staff to their relevant discipline/departments in line with their area of training. Introduction of reforms that will effectively checkmate bottlenecks connected with collection of certificates and transcripts by graduates of our polytechnic. He acknowledged the challenges posed by meagre resources and reiterated that his administration will not be deterred but will continue to weather the storm.
Earlier, the National President of Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association, Nze Henry Nnebe in his welcome address pledged the commitment of the Alumni body to the development of Federal Polytechnic Oko. He decried the Inequality, corruption, abuse of office, hiring of unqualified personnel, neglect of established rules and nepotism which are prevalent in Nigerian’s educational Institutions. He regretted that these vices had become entrenched in the administration of educational Institutions across the country. He however, expressed hope that discussants at the lecture series would critically look at these multifarious challenges and proffer the way forward.
Paper presentation at the event was delivered by Prof. Ugochukwu Nzewi , a former Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko and former Vice Chancellor of Paul University Awka, after which the panel of discussants took to the floor to air their views and proffer solutions. Awards were presented to deserving personalities among whom are Dr.Kemelayefa Omonibeke a former Ag.Chairman of the 11th Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Mrs Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe, Rector Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Hon Princess Chinwe Nnabuife, member representing Orumba North and South in the Federal House of Representatives



