Dr Chioma Awuzie Charges New Students on Discipline, Innovation at Federal Polytechnic Oko’s 42nd Matriculation
The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has urged newly admitted students of the institution to embrace discipline, innovation, and academic excellence as core values for a successful academic journey.
Dr. Awuzie gave the charge on Friday, January 23, 2026, while delivering her address at the 42nd Matriculation Ceremony of the Polytechnic, held at the Oko Campus. The ceremony formally inducted the new students into the academic community of the institution.
Congratulating the matriculating students on their admission, the Rector described their entry into the Polytechnic as a product of merit, hard work, and confidence in their potential. She noted that Federal Polytechnic, Oko has built a strong reputation over the years for academic excellence, discipline, innovation, and the production of skilled manpower for national development.
According to her, the Management of the institution remains deliberate and proactive in improving infrastructure, staff welfare, and the overall learning environment, even as it continues to address areas requiring rehabilitation and upgrade.
Dr. Awuzie announced that staff who were successful in the 2026 promotion and appraisal exercise had commenced the collection of their promotion letters, describing the development as a demonstration of Management’s commitment to staff motivation and institutional growth.
She also disclosed that work is progressing steadily on the Hospitality and Hotel Complex following the revalidation of the project by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). She explained that, upon completion, the facility would provide quality lodging for guests of the institution while serving as a practical training centre for students in hospitality-related disciplines.
The Rector further revealed that the Polytechnic had recently concluded a two-day recruitment interview exercise involving over 900 shortlisted candidates for academic and non-teaching positions, as advertised in October 2025. In a related development, she announced the appointment of a Director of Medical Services to oversee the Polytechnic’s Medical Centre, adding that the recruitment process would soon be fully concluded.
Dr. Awuzie advised the students to take full advantage of the facilities provided by the institution, attend lectures and practical sessions regularly, and adhere strictly to the rules and regulations of the Polytechnic, warning that ignorance of the rules would not be accepted as an excuse for misconduct.
She urged the students to embrace innovation, digital literacy, and responsible use of technology, while striving for academic excellence. She also warned against cultism, examination malpractice, drug abuse, cybercrime, indecent behaviour, and other social vices, stressing that the institution maintains zero tolerance for such acts and that offenders would face stiff sanctions.
The Rector also called on parents and guardians to ensure that their children and wards comply with the laid-down rules of the institution, assuring them of Management’s commitment to providing a safe and conducive learning environment.
Dr. Awuzie commended the Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Barnabas Gemade, for his support and commitment to the growth and stability of the institution, as well as the Management, staff, and students for their dedication and resilience.
She described the matriculation ceremony as a defining moment for the new students, urging them to remain focused, disciplined, innovative, and determined to make the institution proud.
“This institution will prepare you not just for certificates, but for service, leadership, and lifelong relevance,” she said.
The 42nd matriculation ceremony is the first to be conducted by Dr. Awuzie since she assumed office as the substantive Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, on February 5, 2025.
In separate interviews, parents of the matriculating students expressed gratitude to God for the leadership of Dr. Awuzie, describing her administration as impactful. They pledged to support the institution by ensuring that their children and wards adhere strictly to the rules and regulations of the Polytechnic.