Rector, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie has described the former Bursar of the Polytechnic, Late Stephen Udu as a man who lived a life of service, humility and integrity.
Rector, Dr Awuzie said this on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 during a Special Valedictory Session in honour of the former Bursar, Late Mr. Stephen Udu at the polytechnic convocation arena.
She described his departure as a great loss to the Polytechnic family. According to the Rector, “Mr. Udu served the institution with unwavering dedication, integrity and excellence. He set a standard of loyalty and professionalism not only in managing the finances of our Polytechnic, but in his daily interactions, his civility and kindness to people around him. Those who worked closely with him recall his good heart and daily smiles”.
“He was a colleague who made a difference not through noise or fanfare but by doing his work well, quietly, faithfully and consistently. Under his stewardship, the bursary office contributed significantly to the sound financial standing of this Polytechnic”.
Rector also used the opportunity to extend condolences on behalf of the governing council, management, staff and students to the deceased family, pledging the Polytechnic support and prayers to them.
In their separate tributes, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) Federal Polytechnic Oko branch, Bursary Division and Ebonyi Staff Welfare Association eulogised the late bursar, describing him as an exceptional person.
SSANIP secretary Mr. Ben Agudosi, while presenting the Union’s tribute described their departed colleague, Mr Stephen Udu as a true unionist who despite his busy schedules, still made out time to attend union activities.
He stated that though Mr. Udu was a principal officer, nonetheless, he remained humble, sociable and never segregated against anyone.
In their own glowing tribute, the Bursary division noted that their former boss, late Stephen Udu introduced praying session in the unit and related with everyone irrespective of their cadre.
“He welcomes good ideas that come from his subordinates and he was a man of generosity”.
While the Ebonyi State Staff Welfare Association represented by Mr Ugbo Celestine described Udu as a selfless patron of their association.
“He was more than a member as he demonstrated unwavering commitment to the welfare and unity of our staff community”
In a separate valedictory mass held at St Augustine’s Catholic Chaplaincy, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpalaeke called on Christians to live a good life worthy of emulation and be prepared for death which may come anytime.
Cardinal Okpalaeke described late Stephen Udu as a good and humble christian who identified with others around him.
“Our brother Stephen did not live or die for himself. In this chaplaincy, he was alive and active. He was a human being who identified with others” he said.
The Holy mass was celebrated with over 15 priests including the chaplain of the chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Dr. John Umeojiako, the Vicar General of Ekwulobia diocese, Rev. Fr. Anthony Chiegboka, former chaplain of St. Augustine’s chaplaincy, Very Rev. Fr. Paul Dimude, Episcopal vicars amongst others.
At the mass, were the Rector and the management team of the Polytechnic. Also in attendance was the Mayor of Orumba North LGA, Barr. Capt Casmir Nwafor (rtd) and other dignitaries.
