GOMEP-NG Applauds Awuzie’s Transformative Leadership as First Lady Commissions Oko Polytechnic Projects

A new chapter of transformation is unfolding at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, as major infrastructure and technology projects take shape under Rector Dr Chioma Irene Awuzie’s leadership, drawing commendation from GOMEP-NG ahead of their commissioning by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.

The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has commended Federal Polytechnic Oko Rector, Dr Chioma Irene Awuzie, for driving infrastructure, technology, academic development and student-focused reforms since assuming office in February 2025.

ABUJA — A new phase of development is taking shape at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, with major infrastructure and technology projects delivered under the leadership of the institution’s ninth substantive Rector, Dr Chioma Irene Awuzie.

Ahead of the commissioning of some of the projects by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has commended Dr Awuzie for what it described as her “impactful, purposeful and transformative leadership.”

Dr Awuzie assumed office on February 4, 2025, with a commitment to repositioning the Polytechnic through academic development, improved infrastructure, staff and student welfare, technological advancement and stronger engagement with stakeholders.

According to GOMEP-NG, the progress recorded since her assumption of office reflects a focused effort to address key areas of institutional development.

The Guild noted that the Rector’s 12-point agenda has provided a framework for the administration. The agenda covers human resource development, academic reinvention and programme development, students’ welfare, discipline, stakeholder relations, academic integrity, public relations, security, financial transparency and infrastructural development.

Major Projects Transforming Oko Polytechnic

GOMEP-NG said infrastructural development has been particularly visible under the Awuzie administration.

Several projects have reportedly been completed, reactivated or placed at various stages of completion across the Polytechnic and its campuses.

One of the projects highlighted by the Guild is the previously abandoned Hospitality Building. The structure has now been transformed into a major facility expected to strengthen practical training for students.

Also highlighted is the Skill Development Centre, where students receive practical training in areas such as welding and fabrication, fashion design, feed production, networking and system security installation.

Other projects cited by the Guild include the reactivation of the Polytechnic Printing Press and the Senator Barnabas Gemade Medical Centre at the Ufuma Campus.

The list also includes the Hospitality Management/Hotel Complex, solar infrastructure for the Polytechnic’s 98.7 Moment FM, ultra-modern male and female hostels, a staff sports and relaxation centre, and the monument at the institution’s main gate.

Technology Gets Major Boost

Beyond physical infrastructure, GOMEP-NG also praised the administration’s emphasis on technology and digital capacity.

The Guild said more than 141 desktop computers had been delivered to the ICT Directorate to strengthen the Polytechnic’s digital infrastructure and improve its capacity to host JAMB Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) exercises.

Furthermore, GOMEP-NG noted that the Polytechnic was selected as the only institution in the South-East captured in the First Lady’s pilot Digital Technology Project.

The Guild described the development as another indication of the growing profile of the institution.

It expressed optimism that the commissioning of the ICT Experience Centre, Chemical Engineering Building and Students Examination Hall would further improve teaching, learning and technological development at the Polytechnic.

GOMEP-NG Calls for Sustainable Development

As the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, prepares to welcome the First Lady, GOMEP-NG said the commissioning ceremony offers an opportunity to recognise the efforts of Dr Awuzie and her team in repositioning the institution.

The Guild described the Rector as a leader whose focus on infrastructure, innovation and institutional development is gradually reshaping the physical and academic landscape of the Polytechnic.

However, GOMEP-NG stressed that sustainable institutional development must go beyond the construction and commissioning of physical structures.

It therefore urged the Polytechnic to sustain its focus on academic excellence, transparency, staff welfare, student development and effective management and maintenance of the projects being delivered.

GOMEP-NG congratulated Dr Awuzie, the management and the entire Federal Polytechnic Oko community on the development.

The Guild described the current phase as a significant chapter in the institution’s history and expressed the hope that the momentum would be sustained.

According to the Guild, the projects and reforms should provide a strong foundation for the Polytechnic’s emergence as a leading institution of technological and vocational education in Nigeria.

“Madam Project, let the projects continue,” the Guild said, while wishing Dr Awuzie continued success in her efforts to position the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, for greater national and international recognition.