In a remarkable demonstration of effective leadership and a keen vision for institutional development, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, the newly appointed substantive Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra state, has accomplished an impressive array of infrastructural projects within her first 100 days in office.
In recent months, the Federal Polytechnic has witnessed a remarkable transformation under her leadership. Taking office as rector, she has demonstrated an inspiring commitment to expanding the institution’s infrastructure and enhancing its capacity to provide quality education and services.
Within her first 100 days, Dr. Awuzie initiated and completed several key projects, all of which are poised to significantly benefit students, staff, and the local community.
Dr. Awuzie assumed the role of rector with a clear vision: to create an educational environment that not only fosters academic excellence but also equips students with practical skills that enhance their employability.
Acknowledging the importance of hands-on experience and internally generated revenue for the institution, she prioritized the establishment of facilities that generate funds and also bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Her approach reflects a broader understanding of modern educational demands and the necessity for the polytechnic to adapt to industrial needs.
Her proactive approach has not only revitalized the institution's physical landscape but has also laid a solid foundation for enhancing the overall academic and social environment for students, faculty, and staff.
In the dynamic environment of higher education, visionary leadership can inspire significant positive change and development. The newly appointed substantive rector has epitomized this leadership in her first 100 days in office, by initiating and successfully completing Bottled Water factory, Security Posts, Polytechnic Printing Press, Guest House, Bakery, and state-of-the-art Senator Barnabas Gemade Medical Center.
This groundbreaking projects not only embody her commitment to enhancing the educational experience but also stands as a testament to her innovative approach to problem-solving within the institution.
In an elaborate occasion at the polytechnic's main campus in Oko, on Thursday, May 29, Dr. Awuzie, together with the polytechnic's governing council and key officers of the institution, commissioned these projects located at both Oko and Ufuma campuses of the institution.
One of these projects was the state-of-the-art security houses: one in Oko, one at Ufuma campus of the institution. This initiative, which aims to foster a safe learning environment, encourages students and staff to focus on their academic pursuits without concern for their safety.
Dr. Awuzie also recognized the need for a welcoming space for visiting academics, parents, and other stakeholders. The completion and commissioning of a new guest house at Oko campus is a significant step toward enhancing the polytechnic's hospitality and appeal. This facility is designed to accommodate visitors with comfort, showcasing the institution's commitment to fostering collaborative relationships with external partners and stakeholders.
The polytechnic also commissioned a newly completed printing press. In an era where academic publications and research dissemination are vital, Dr. Awuzie initiated the establishment of this polytechnic press. This facility will serve as a hub for publishing academic work and providing students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in publishing processes. By supporting academic scholarship and enabling research dissemination, the polytechnic press will enhance the institution's academic profile.
Another standout project commissioned as part of activities marking her first 100 days is a modern bakery. This facility is not merely an addition to the campus; it serves also as a vital training ground for students pursuing courses in food technology and hospitality related fields. Equipped with advanced machinery and trained staff, the bakery offers students the opportunity to gain real-world experience in baking, production management, and entrepreneurship.
The bakery also has the potential to generate revenue for the institution and serve the wider community by supplying fresh baked foods. Through this initiative, Dr. Awuzie aims to instill a culture of entrepreneurship among students, encouraging them to explore innovative business opportunities within the food industry.
Also, among the crown jewels of Dr. Awuzie's infrastructural achievements in her first 100 days in office is the completion of the Senator Barnabas Gemade Medical Center. This state-of-the-art facility stands as a testament to her commitment to student health and well-being. The center is designed to meet the medical needs of students and staff alike. The establishment of this medical center not only enhances the quality of healthcare on campus but also serves as a model for other educational institutions in the region, promoting the importance of student health in academic success.
Again, recognizing the increasing demand for clean drinking water and the necessity for practical engagement, Dr. Awuzie articulated a vision to set up a bottled water factory. By setting up a bottled water factory, she aimed to provide high-quality drinking water for the campus community while simultaneously creating opportunities for students to learn about entrepreneurship, management, and production processes.
Dr. Awuzie’s comprehensive approach to leadership allowed her to transform these ideas from concept to reality in record time. Within her first 100 days, she focused on several key strategies to ensure the successful launch of these projects.
Her background as the first internally generated substantive rector of the Federal Polytechnic positioned her well to understand the core challenges of the school. In her inaugural address on 11th February, 2025, Dr. Awuzie had emphasized the importance of sustainability and self-sufficiency in educational institutions. This is why these first-line landmark infrastructure focus on projects generating IGR for the polytechnic.
Earlier in a press conference with the theme: "From Vision to Action: 100 Days of Impact, Innovation and Institutional Rebirth," on Thursday, May 29, Dr. Awuzie attributed her success to the prayer, support and encouragement of the visitor to the polytechnic, President Bola Tinubu; the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Education; the Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education; the Director, Polytechnic Education, Federal Ministry of Education; the Chairman of the Polytechnic's Governing Council, Senator Barnabas Gemade; all Council members, principal officers, staff and students; as well as her experience and indeph knowledge of the institution as someone who has been part of the system for many years.
While promising not to betray the trust reposed in him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Awuzie promised that she would continue to align herself with policies and programmes that will portray and project the polytechnic as a frontline academic institution in Nigeria and Africa.