Yolamchi Ukaga, Aba
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state, has assured the management of the state-owned polytechnic in Aba of his administration’s commitment towards supporting the institution to achieve its goals.
Ikpeazu made this promise, while receiving in audience the chairman and members of the governing council of the polytechnic who were in Government House, Umuahia, to present the report of the selection of principal officers for the institution.
He charged the institution to remain consistent and stable in order to attract more students as well as introduce programmes that are relevant to the yearnings of the people in their catchment area.
While advising the institution to find ways to maintain industrial harmony and peace, he charged the board and management to look at ways of attracting funds independently, through local and international support grants.
He also charged them to sustain their collaboration with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, to assist it financially so as to meet its mandate increase its population.
The governor assured that the state government would continue to support the institution through the payments of statutory subventions and specifically assist the institution in the forthcoming accreditation of more of its courses.
He further commended the council and management on job well done and their quick intervention that averted violence by their students last week, as a result of protest against a Police officer that allegedly raped one of their female students.
Ikpeazu consequently, announced the approval of the appointments of the principal officers of the polytechnic, as recommended by the governing council with Okorie Kalu Osonwa, as the substantive rector.
Other principal officers approved by the governor are Oriaku Chinyere, registrar, Omenihu Friday, bursar, Ndulaka Chigozie, librarian and Nwogu Jude, director of works services.
John Nwangborogwu, chairman, governing council of the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, while presenting the report of the selection interview for the principal officers of the institution, identified lack of due process in appointing principal officers as contributing to the challenges bedevilling the institution and informed that they followed due process, by advertising the positions of principal officers and subsequently interviewing them.