The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr.Chioma Irene Awuzie has celebrated the anniversary of her one year in office at the Polytechnic monthly prayer held today, 4th February, 2026.

The Rector revealed in her opening remarks that the monthly prayer was earlier scheduled to hold on 3rd February; however it was shifted to 4th February so that she could mark her one year anniversary at the prayer meeting.

She gave a word of exhortation with her text taken from Psalm 3:5-6. She stated “I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude, acknowledging that this journey of leadership has been sustained not by human strength but by God’s grace and direction.”

“Over the past years we have learnt that progress is not achieved only by experience, intellect, policies or procedures alone but by total dependence on God.”

Also making reference to Psalm 127:1, Dr.Awuzie admonished leaders and administrators to trust in God with all their heart and commit their plans to Him. She opined that sustainable advancement comes when God orders our steps which in turn brings clarity, stability and excellence.

Dr.Awuzie therefore called on all staff to align with God’s will and also align with her vision for the development of Federal Polytechnic Oko. “I am confident that God who has helped us to begin well will lead us into greater impact and sustainable advancement” She said.

The Rector subsequently led staff in a series of prayers for the Polytechnic , Nigeria and staff families. With the end of the prayers, staff took time to commend the Rector for her focus , resilience, commitment, vision and developmental strides within one year in office. Those who spoke all agreed that the Rector has performed outstandingly well in her one year in office.

Former Ag. Rector and Ag.Dean School of Science and Technology, Dr. Augustina Ugo Okeke asserted that Dr.Awuzie brought a new lease of life to the Polytechnic and has repositioned it. She hinted on different areas that have remarkably improved, for instance, order and provision of adequate logistics for exam administration, environmental cleanliness, peace and cordiality in the polytechnic, among others. On his part the ASUP Chairman, Dr.Fidelis Oduah stated that the Rector is very union friendly and in fact has made his work as union leader very easy because she grants requests pertaining to the welfare of staff with speed.

Dean School of Business Studies, Dr. Chioma Eni in her goodwill message stated that Dr.Awuzie is quite dynamic and a rare breed. According to her ” we have worked with several Rectors and several Ag.Rectors but none can be compared to Dr.Chioma Awuzie the present Rector” She admitted that the Rector’s good works are very obvious, and virtually everyone can testify to that. She then prayed for God’s guidance and protection for the Rector.

The Former Ag.Rector, Dr.Chukwugekwu Ubaka expressed Joy that the appointment of Dr.Awuzie as Rector was a perfect choice and commended her for maintaining institutional best practices. He then urged everyone to rally round and support her.

Others who spoke include the Polytechnic Librarian, Dr.Nwabu Ezemba, Head Rector’s media team, Celestine Oguegbu, Pst Julius Adebisi and Dr.Joy Obiora.

The event witnessed the documentary of Rector’s numerous achievements in office,which include the following:

1) Reactivation of the Polytechnic water factory

2) Reactivation of the Polytechnic bakery

3) Construction of a medical center at Ufuma Campus of the polytechnic

4) Resuscitation of the Polytechnic Printing Press

5) Construction of staff sports club and guest house

6) Establishing and equipping the Skill Development Centre with state of the art facilities for training of manpower

7) Mounting of new programmes and re-accreditation of existing programmes

8) Security upgrade involving construction of security posts, engaging a security services company and installation of security gadgets

9) Digging of a borehole for portable water supply

10) Establishing the students work-study aid programme

11) Reduction of school fees

12) Resuscitation of the Polytechnic FM radio

13) Timely appraisal and promotion of staff

14) Restoration of end of year Christmas package to staff, etc

While demonstrating her acknowledgement of the power of prayer and dependence on God, the Rector stood up to be prayed for in an intensive prayer session by designated staff and Fmr Ag.Rector, Dr.Ubaka.

An anniversary cake was later cut by the Rector who was flanked by members of the management committee in commemoration of her one year in office.