Management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko led by the Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie on Friday, December 19 stunned staff of the Polytechnic with bags of rice distributed to them as Christmas gift during the 2025 edition of Nine Lessons and Carols.
The Rector also rewarded some staff of the institution, who distinguished themselves in the service of the polytechnic.
Some of the staff honoured include: Engr Prince Nwankwo who got the Brand Ambassador award of the Polytechnic, Dr. Gift Eyisi, Most Friendly Staff Award (Female Category); Mr. Sylvester Nwafor (Most Hardworking Staff Award); Engr Dr. John Egbunike Ananti (Most Friendly Staff Award – Male Category); and Mr. Fidelis Alor of the Public Relations who was honoured as the Most Dedicated Staff of the Polytechnic.
Others honoured were: Mr. Ikechukwu Chinekwu of the Bursary unit, who bagged the Most Diligent Staff Award; the immediate past President, Students Union Government, Odumegwu Chinecherem was honoured with the Outstanding Students’ Union Award.
The nine lessons and carols was attended by the former Rectors of the Polytechnic, friends of the Polytechnic, staff and students.
Also in attendance were the chaplains of St. Augustine’s chaplaincy, Chapel of the Light and Chapel of Transfiguration all in Federal Polytechnic Oko.
Guest artist for the event, the famous Nkwa Group led by Sis. Amara O. thrilled the gathering along with the choirs from St. Augustine’s chaplaincy, Chapel of the Light and Chapel of Transfiguration.
Delivering her Christmas message, the Rector, Dr. Chioma Awuzie said the nine lessons and carols was an opportunity for everyone to deliberately pause from their demanding schedules to reflect on the birth of the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
She noted that “Christmas is more than celebration; it is a call to unity, love and moral renewal. A period of sober reflection living in the spirit of onye aghala nwanne ya (that no one should forsake his brother) and omume ezi omume (the pursuit of good deeds); we are reminded that compassion, humility and mutual respect must guide our daily lives.”
Quoting Isaiah 9:6, Rector continued, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” In these words, we are assured that light still shines in the midst of uncertainty, fear and challenge.
She appreciated the polytechnic community; students, parents, the academic, administrative and technical staff, who through their resilience, professionalism and sacrifices throughout the year, sustained the institution.
The Rector also acknowledged with gratitude and thanksgiving the tangible progress being recorded within the polytechnic in the course of the year.
She said, “Management has remained deliberate and proactive in pursuing both internal initiatives and external support to enhance our learning environment.
“I am pleased to announce that the Governing Council, at its 124th Regular Meeting, graciously approved the 2026 appraisal and promotion report for academic and non-teaching staff, with effect from January, 2026. Promotion letters will be issued shortly, and we congratulate all deserving beneficiaries in advance.
“I am happy to announce that Senator Barnabas Gemade Medical Centre, Ufuma, will soon commence operations because, all equipment and facilities required for the full take-off of the hospital have been fully procured and installation will commence soonest.
“Similarly, the resuscitated Moment FM Radio, domiciled in the Department of Mass Communication, has also received its required energy infrastructure, which is currently being installed to enable full broadcasting operations.
“Joyfully, I further announce that work at the ICT Experience Centre, a Federal Government pilot initiative under the Office of the First Lady and sponsored directly by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has attained approximately 65% completion.
“In addition, work has recommenced on the Hospitality and Hotel Complex following the revalidation of the project by TETFund. Upon completion, this facility will offer quality lodging and hospitality services to guests of the polytechnic. Management has also taken delivery of additional student chairs and desks, which are presently being installed in lecture halls across the Oko campus of the institution to further improve teaching and learning conditions.
“These milestones are more than infrastructure: they are symbols of renewal, progress, and hope; clear evidence that Federal Polytechnic, Oko is being steadily repositioned for relevance, excellence, and national impact.”
The Rector finally tasked all staff and students of the polytechnic on
peace, discipline, and institutional pride.
She called on all staff and students to join hands with management to move the Federal Polytechnic, Oko to greater heights; urging them to become proud ambassadors of the institution: consciously projecting, promoting and protecting the good image of the polytechnic.
