The Rector of Ogbonnaya Onu polytechnic formerly Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Professor Christopher K. Okoro, has said the institution was in a state of moral, academic, infrastructural, and administrative decay before the intervention of Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
Speaking during an interaction with journalists in Aba, the Rector said he assumed office on March 19, 2024, with a mandate from Governor Otti to rebuild and reposition the institution.
According to him, staff morale had collapsed, students had lost confidence in the system, and the image of the polytechnic had been severely damaged.
Professor Okoro disclosed that workers were owed salary arrears amounting to about ₦4.2 billion and had not been promoted between 2012 and 2024. He added that employees were still operating under a salary structure dating back to 2011.
He praised Governor Otti for approving the payment of the full salary arrears, despite labour unions initially requesting only 70 per cent of the outstanding amount.
The Rector further revealed that the state government approved the implementation of long-overdue promotions and their financial implications, with some workers receiving as many as four promotions in one day. He added that the institution has also domesticated the 2024 national salary structure.
According to him, the wage bill of the polytechnic has increased by over 250 per cent due to promotions and salary adjustments.
On staff development, Professor Okoro said the institution has sponsored 23 staff members for doctoral studies, 38 others for master’s degree programmes, and facilitated conference participation for nearly 500 employees. He added that more than 100 staff members have benefited from institution-based research grants amounting to over ₦300 million.
The Rector also highlighted improvements in student welfare, disclosing that the government approved ₦100 million in grants for 100 students who graduated with distinctions, with each beneficiary receiving ₦1 million to support entrepreneurial ventures.
He announced the abolition of compulsory textbook purchases, saying students are no longer required to buy books from lecturers and can independently source recommended materials.
Addressing concerns over delays in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation process, Professor Okoro said the institution has digitised its academic processes, decentralised examinations and record-keeping, and introduced annual convocations and certificate issuance, resulting in faster processing and mobilisation of graduates.
On infrastructure, he said the polytechnic has recorded significant development under the current administration, including the construction of its first lecture theatre in 32 years and extensive projects at its permanent site in Osisioma.
According to him, work is ongoing on male and female hostels with a combined capacity of 10,000 beds, a modern administrative complex, more than 16 academic and administrative buildings, and a 1.94-kilometre dual carriageway within the permanent campus.
Professor Okoro also disclosed that the institution now manufactures waste receptacles locally through its welding and fabrication department and has partnered with development organisations to provide monthly stipends to students studying technical courses.
He further revealed that the polytechnic has secured recognition in artificial intelligence, becoming one of the first institutions in Nigeria to receive accreditation in the field and a Centre of Excellence grant in Artificial Intelligence.
The Rector said the institution is increasingly focusing on skills acquisition, innovation, and technology-driven education, with students participating in practical projects and industry collaborations aimed at producing globally competitive graduates.
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