Abia Poly Witnessing Rebirth Under Otti, Says Egege

The Chairman of the Governing Council of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba, formerly Abia State Polytechnic, Hon. Stanley Egege, has applauded the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti for what he described as unprecedented giant strides in repositioning the Polytechnic since assuming office.

Speaking at the institution’s campus in Aba, Hon. Egege said the Governor’s commitment to education, infrastructure, and youth development has not only revived the Polytechnic but has also restored confidence in technical and vocational education in the state.

According to the Council Chairman, the Polytechnic, which had suffered years of neglect, is now witnessing a rebirth under Governor Otti’s administration.

He pointed to the Governor’s decision to rename the school after the late Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, the first civilian governor of Abia State, as a mark of honor and an act of inspiration for both staff and students.

He explained that the renaming was more than symbolic; it was a deliberate statement that the institution is now aligned with a legacy of excellence, discipline, and national service.

Hon. Egege also commended the infrastructural rehabilitation projects carried out within the school under the Otti administration. Buildings that had been abandoned or left in deplorable conditions for years have been renovated, classrooms modernized, and technical workshops re-equipped for hands-on learning.

The Chairman stressed that the Polytechnic is gradually transforming into an environment that encourages innovation, research, and skill development. He further noted the establishment of new facilities such as the sports complex, indoor games arena, gym, and creative studio house, which have enriched the learning experience for students and contributed to their all-round development.

Another milestone acknowledged by the Governing Council Chairman was the Governor’s entrepreneurship support initiative during the Polytechnic’s combined Convocation Ceremony, where one hundred and fifty best-performing graduates were each awarded ₦1 million business grants.

Hon. Egege described the gesture as a practical step toward empowering young people to become wealth creators rather than job seekers, stressing that it demonstrated Governor Otti’s deep understanding of the connection between education and economic growth.

He further observed that the Polytechnic, under the Governor’s leadership, has recorded new heights in digitalization and institutional credibility, including the introduction of online certification for graduates.

This, he said, has made verification of academic credentials easier and enhanced the school’s reputation across Nigeria and beyond. In addition, he hailed the successful attraction of a ₦2 billion TETFund special intervention grant, a feat that has boosted infrastructural development and academic projects in the institution.

Hon. Egege equally welcomed the decision of the Abia State Government to situate the Export Growth Lab within the Polytechnic, a move he believes will position the institution as a hub for global research collaboration, technology development, and enterprise growth in the commercial city of Aba.

He described this initiative as one of the most visionary steps that will link the Polytechnic directly with global markets and opportunities.

While commending the Governor, the Council Chairman also took time to appreciate the Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Christopher Kalu Okoro, whom he described as dogged, pragmatic, and highly committed to service.

Since his appointment in 2024, Dr. Okoro has, according to him, played an active role in implementing reforms, liaising with government agencies, and driving the school’s transition into a modern, student-centered institution.

He lauded the Rector’s energy in ensuring that the Governor’s vision translates into tangible results, ranging from academic innovation to infrastructural renewal.

In conclusion, Hon. Egege reiterated that Governor Alex Otti’s leadership has given Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic a new lease of life, transforming it from a symbol of neglect into a beacon of excellence.

He assured that the Governing Council will continue to work hand in hand with the Rector, management, and the state government to sustain the current momentum and build a Polytechnic that will stand tall among its peers across the nation.

He further assured that the transformation in the school has only just begun, stressing that this is merely the foundation of building an institution that will project Abia to the global stage, with even greater milestones yet to come.