Oko Poly, Alumni rift: Ex-Rectors sue for peace
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Former Rectors of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, Prof. Godwin Onu and Engr. Dr. Francisca Nwafulugo have urged the Polytechnic management and the Alumni body to embrace peace and dialogue for the image and interest of the institution.
The duo made the appeal at the 40th anniversary celebration of the Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association, themed “reflecting four decades of historical growth and giving back.”
The appeal followed the Alumni’s allegations of the Polytechnic Management’s frustration ahead of its Annual General Meeting and planned inauguration of the Hall of Fame slated to hold at the polytechnic.
According to Nwafulugo, “Leadership is about service. And when you are serving you are going to tolerate a lot of things because it takes two to tango. There is always unity in diversity and peace has been the anchor,” she said.
On his part, Prof. Onu appealed to the alumni not to resort to confrontation or litigation. He described the present face-off between the management and the alumni as a family disagreement that should be resolved amicably through dialogue and understanding.
According to him, the polytechnic belongs to all stakeholders, and any form of legal battle would only distract from the collective goal of moving the institution forward.
“Let there be no fights, let there be no revenge. Do not go to court or fight anybody. Continue to pray and use your brain and number six to navigate through these challenges so that things can be right. We are together and fighting for the same cause, which is a better society,” he said.
National President, Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association, Nze Henry Nnebe, had alleged that the management frustrated the association’s Annual General Meeting and the planned inauguration of the Hall of Fame scheduled for Friday at the polytechnic.
“Yesterday, we had our AGM. It was supposed to be the inauguration of the Hall of Fame that will act as an archive of everything called Federal Poly Oko. But unfortunately, the management brought in over 200 policemen to lock up the place and prevent the function from taking place,” he said.
Corroborating, Chairman, Central Planning Committee for the 40th anniversary, Dr. Izuchukwu Nwabueze, said the committee made deliberate efforts to carry the polytechnic management along from the onset of preparations.
He disclosed that the committee formally wrote to the management to intimate them of the planned activities and invite their participation, but did not receive a favourable response.
Nwabueze added that a directive was allegedly issued to heads of departments not to share information with the alumni, and that the management’s absence at the grand finale was a missed opportunity to celebrate the collective achievements of the polytechnic community.
Nwabueze said, “Upon appointment, I personally sent the letter appointing me and my team to the Rector, with a note to know her view. It wasn’t replied to. Two weeks later, I wrote to the National Chairman to accept the appointment.
“When we had our inauguration meeting on June 8, we took a decision to pay courtesy visits to the Rector, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, and His Excellency the Governor.
“The letter to Oko was acknowledged, but the response was a directive to heads of departments not to oblige the alumni with information.
“I sent her a note to send a representative today and she didn’t. I told her that her absence would be inconsequential and it is. This event would have been a plus to her administration.
“Even if, as a Rector, you have issues with anybody, if you are a mature leader, you look beyond the individual and look at the larger picture. We chose for there not to be a drama yesterday because of the calibre of people we invited for today. But that act is condemnable. It is always good to be on the right part of history,” he said.
On his part, General Manager of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Abakaliki, Barr. Emeka Okpala accused some alumni members within the polytechnic of undermining the association and urged them to desist from such actions and work for the unity and progress of the alumni body.
Speaking at the event, the National President said the anniversary was organised to honour the past, celebrate the present and accept responsibility for the future. According to him, the 40th anniversary is not just about age but about impact.
“Over four decades, the Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association has contributed to the development of the institution through infrastructure, programmes, intellectual engagement and institutional support,” he said.
Nnebe said the alumni association was founded to complement, not compete with, the institution’s management, noting that while the alumni support growth through projects and advocacy, the management handles administration.
He added that despite occasional disagreements, the association has remained mature and responsible, with the institution’s interest above personal differences.
Nnebe highlighted some of the association’s contributions to the development of the polytechnic over the years, noting that the alumni have been a consistent development partner.
He said the earliest major intervention was the Alumni Secretariat built by the Mr. Peter Igwe-led administration, comprising a hall and three offices, which was handed over to the polytechnic and used rent-free from 1994 to 2014.
The intervention, he said, was later scaled up with the construction of the Ultra-Modern National Secretariat Office Complex, which was started in 2015 and commissioned in 2018 under the Comrade Luke Nweke administration.
The complex, though still a work in progress, has a 500-capacity main hall, conference hall, Board of Trustees and National Executive Council rooms, offices and commercial spaces.
Other projects listed include the Alumni Hostel Project initiated by the Dr. Ubaka-led administration and valued at over N300 million at the time of construction, and the ultra-modern gate at the Ufuma Campus valued at over N40 million built under the current national leadership.
Beyond physical projects, Nnebe said the association introduced the Family Shower Programme to honour newly appointed rectors, established the IBB Annual Lecture Series and Awards as a platform for intellectual engagement, and has now built the Oko Polymaths Hall of Fame to serve as an archive for the history and heritage of the polytechnic.
Meanwhile, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the association, Hon. Victor Orji, described 40 years as a significant milestone, saying it was a testament to vision and resilience that has produced exceptional professionals contributing to Nigeria and beyond.
“Forty years is a significant milestone. It is a celebration not merely of the passage of time, but of vision, resilience, achievement, and the countless lives transformed by Federal Polytechnic Oko.
“Over the decades, the institution has produced exceptional professionals, entrepreneurs, technocrats, academics, public servants, innovators, and leaders who continue to make meaningful contributions to Nigeria and the world,” he said.
Orji noted that the landmark anniversary provided an opportunity to acknowledge the progress and renewed drive within the institution. He thanked the founding fathers and successive administrations for their commitment to academic advancement.
He also commended the Nnebe-led National Executive Council for its purposeful leadership and commitment to unity.
The celebration attracted personalities including the General Manager, Channels Television, Lagos, Mr. Kingsley Datuboaranta; General Manager, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Abakaliki, Barr. Emeka Okpala, Chairman, NUJ, Anambra State Council and others.
Highlights were the anniversary lecture delivered by Chief Tayo Ayinde, Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, represented by Moriakinyo Akinrinade, the cutting of the anniversary cake, and the conferment of Star and Iconic Ambassador awards on over 70 individuals, largely former Rectors and members of the alumni family who have excelled in their various fields of endeavour.
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