100 OOPOLY Distinction Graduates Receive ₦1 Million Each from Abia State Government

One hundred graduates of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba (OOPOLY), who earned distinction in their respective programmes have received ₦1 million each under the Abia State Government’s Graduate Empowerment Grant Scheme.

The beneficiaries represent the second batch of outstanding graduates from the institution to benefit from the initiative since the appointment of the Rector, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu.

The grant scheme was introduced by Governor Alex Otti to reward academic excellence while equipping exceptional graduates with the financial resources needed to establish businesses, create employment opportunities and contribute to the state’s economic development.

At the institution’s convocation ceremony held on December 5, 2025, Governor Otti said the initiative forms part of his administration’s strategy to empower young people and encourage innovation across Abia’s tertiary institutions.

He noted that the programme is designed to ensure that the state’s brightest graduates remain productive within Abia by creating businesses capable of driving economic growth and supporting development across key sectors.

Before the disbursement of the grants, the institution, in collaboration with the Abia State Government, organised a one-day entrepreneurship and business start-up workshop at the ICT Auditorium under the Dr. Alex Chioma Otti Graduate Empowerment Grant Scheme.

Speaking at the event, the Rector, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu, said the workshop was aimed at preparing beneficiaries to make responsible and productive use of the funds through entrepreneurship and business development.

He encouraged the graduates to invest the grants in viable enterprises capable of creating value, generating sustainable income and contributing to the growth of the state’s economy.

The Rector also commended Governor Alex Otti for prioritising education and youth empowerment, describing him as an intentional leader committed to transforming Abia State.

The workshop featured lectures on entrepreneurship, vocational skills and business development. Participants also received guidance on business registration procedures, including registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Eme Uche Eme, urged the beneficiaries to utilise the grants wisely by investing in innovative and productive ventures rather than personal consumption.

She assured the graduates that the state government would continue to support those who demonstrate success in building sustainable businesses.

The commissioner also praised the leadership of the institution for its ongoing reforms and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the polytechnic’s development, including its planned relocation to the Osisioma Campus.

At the end of the workshop, all 100 distinction graduates received their ₦1 million grants, fulfilling the Abia State Government’s promise to provide outstanding graduates with start-up capital to launch successful business ventures and become contributors to the state’s economic transformation.