By Emmanuel Afonne
The Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association says it has invested millions of naira in infrastructure and other projects at the institution.
The National President of the association, Nze Henry Nnebe, disclosed this on Saturday night at a gala night marking its 40th anniversary in Awka, Anambra.
Nnebe said the association had contributed significantly to the development of the polytechnic through infrastructure, educational programmes and institutional support over four decades.
He listed the alumni secretariat, national secretariat complex, alumni hostel project and modern gate at the Ufuma campus among its major infrastructure projects.
He said the Ufuma campus gate, valued at more than N40 million, was part of efforts to improve infrastructure at the institution.
“The national secretariat complex, which construction commenced in 2015 and was commissioned in 2018, comprised administrative offices, a conference hall, a main hall and other facilities.
“The alumni hostel project, initiated under a previous administration, is valued at more than N300 million, although it faced sustainability challenges,” he said.
Nnebe said the association had complemented its infrastructure investments with initiatives promoting intellectual engagement, institutional heritage and academic excellence.
He listed the IBB Annual Lecture Series and Awards and the Oko Polymaths Hall of Fame among the initiatives.
Nnebe said the association had also introduced a programme to welcome newly appointed rectors and foster cordial relations with the institution’s management.
He said the association had 10 functional branches, a functioning Board of Trustees and a Central Working Committee following the resolution of a prolonged dispute.
He said the dispute was resolved through an out-of-court settlement.
The president urged the polytechnic’s management to embrace dialogue, mutual respect and constructive engagement in their relationship.
He described the alumni association and the institution as partners bound by a common heritage.
Nnebe assured the management of the association’s readiness to support genuine efforts to improve the institution and promote the welfare of students and staff.
Earlier, Dr Izuchukwu Nwabueze, Chairman of the anniversary’s Central Planning Committee, said the polytechnic had recorded significant achievements since its establishment.
He said the institution had made notable contributions to technical education and human capital development.
Nwabueze said the institution had produced graduates who had distinguished themselves in various fields nationally and internationally.
He said the 40th anniversary provided an opportunity to celebrate the institution’s history, recognise its pioneers and reflect on its achievements.
The committee chairman said the alumni association remained committed to protecting its independence and sustaining its contributions to the institution’s development.
“I call for improved cooperation between the association and the polytechnic’s management to ensure that their shared commitment to the institution’s growth remained paramount,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Chief Tayo Ayinde, described members of the association as distinguished Oko Polymaths.
Ayinde, who was represented by Moriakinyo Akinrinade, said his inability to attend the anniversary in person was due to exigencies of duty.
He pledged to attend future functions of the association, reaffirming his identity as an alumnus of the institution.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the anniversary featured the unveiling of the Oko Polymaths Hall of Fame and recognition of distinguished alumni.
The event also featured a review of the association’s contributions to the institution over four decades.(NAN)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
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