The Governing Council chairman of the Federal Polytechnic Oko, Senator Engr. Dr. Barnabas Gemade has been honoured by the Non- Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions ( NASU), Federal Polytechnic Oko Branch for his exceptional leadership, visionary guidance and unwavering commitment to the development and transformation of Polytechnic education in Nigeria.
Also honoured is the Rector, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie for her exemplary dedication to staff welfare and visionary leadership towards the pragmatic transformation of the institution.
Some NASU members, including the Deputy President/chairman, NASU, Polytechnics and Others Trade Group Council, Comrade Raphael Oloyede, Mrs Emenike Deborah, Prince Peters Adeyemi, Uyaune Kevin, Chizoba Agbodike and Comrade Mbanugo Ezije were also honoured.
The awards were given on Thursday, November 13 at the Polytechnic Auditorium during the regular meeting of the Polytechnics and others Trade Group Council of NASU which drew delegates from all the Polytechnics in Nigeria. Dr.Egwuchukwu Ifensor, a Council member received the award on behalf of the council chairman.
In his address, the Deputy President cum chairman, NASU, Polytechnics and Others Trade Group Council, Comrade Raphael Oloyede commended the Governing Council chairman and the Rector, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Chioma Awuzie for their support and encouragement to NASU in the institution, especially for peace that now exists between the management and the unions on campus.
He said that the meeting was aimed at brainstorming and taking major decisions geared towards the welfare of NASU members in the Polytechnics and other similar institutions.
He noted that the meeting will afford members the ample opportunity of reviewing NASU activities in various branches and chat a way forward in the best interest of their members and the union considering the economic and socio-political situations in Nigeria.
Oloyede, however identified the economy, excessive taxation, underfunding and insecurity as major challenges that confront Polytechnic education in Nigeria.
On his part, the chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress who doubles as NASU chairman in Anambra state, Comrade Humphrey Emeka Nwafor in his speech described the Rector, Dr Chioma Awuzie as a woman of vision and excellence.
“Dr. Chioma Awuzie and her capable management team have continued to provide sound and purposeful leadership, ensuring that the Federal Polytechnic Oko remains a true centre of learning, innovation and excellence. We thank madam Rector for her hospitality and unwavering support in hosting the great NASU family in Federal Polytechnic Oko” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the NASU branch chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Okolie expressed joy for the Rector’s immense support and leadership style which, according to him, is marked by openness, accessibility, union-friendliness, and a deep concern for staff welfare.
“Her commitment to providing a conducive working and learning environment is truly commendable.
“The cordial relationship NASU enjoys with management today is a clear demonstration that the Polytechnic Act ( Amendment) 2019 is not only functional but effective in strengthening institutional harmony and industrial relations”
Responding, the Rector, Dr. Chioma Awuzie who also served as the keynote speaker during the NASU meeting commended the union for honouring her and recognising what she is doing to place the Federal Polytechnic Oko in the global map.
Represented by the Polytechnic Librarian, Dr. Nwabu Ezemba who declared the event open, the Rector highlighted establishment of a functional skill acquisition centre, completion, finishing and equipping of Senator Barnabas Gemade Medical centre at Ufuma campus and resuscitation of the Polytechnic ventures including the bakery, table water factory and printing press as some of her exploits in few months in office.
She noted that her administration will continue to prioritise staff and students welfare, peaceful and friendly disposition to the unions to ensure that peace and love reign supreme in Federal Polytechnic Oko.
She specifically thanked NASU and other unions on campus for their support to the management and diplomacy in handling union related issues in the Polytechnic.
