Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, formerly Abia State Polytechnic, yesterday (Saturday March 21, 2026) held its 32nd matriculation ceremony, admitting over 5,000 students across various disciplines into the institution.
The colourful ceremony, held in the Enyimba City of Aba, drew dignitaries from within and outside Abia State and highlighted the developmental strides recorded in the institution in recent years.
In his welcome address, the Rector, Dr. Chris Kalu Okoro, expressed appreciation to the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, for providing the enabling environment for the institution’s growth and transformation.
Okoro described the governor as visionary and proactive, noting that the support of the state government has given the management the leverage to reposition the institution for greater impact.
He reaffirmed the polytechnic’s commitment to its mission of becoming one of the best polytechnics in Nigeria and a centre of excellence for the production of highly skilled manpower for national development.
The rector noted that the institution now has a renewed identity that has continued to attract students and their families who seek quality education.
He disclosed that the newly admitted students would be among the first to benefit from facilities at the Osisioma campus, including ultra-modern hostels for male and female students and an improved learning environment.
Dr. Okoro urged the students to remain focused on their studies, stressing that success could only be achieved through hard work, discipline and commitment.
He also warned against cultism and other unethical behaviours, stating that the institution maintains a zero-tolerance policy and would not hesitate to apply strict sanctions against offenders.
Highlighting achievements of his administration, the rector listed the expansion of academic programmes, increased emphasis on skills acquisition and vocational training, improved efficiency in student administration, and the elimination of exploitation against students.
He also cited improvements in staff welfare and the transformation of the physical environment of the institution with modern facilities aimed at creating a conducive learning atmosphere.
Okoro further acknowledged the contributions and support of the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Mrs. Uche Emeh; the Chairman, House Committee on Education, Hon. Okoro Uchenna; Chief Chijioke James Umeh (Ike Abam); the Governing Council led by Chief Stanley Egege; as well as his wife, Mrs. Geraldine Okoro, and their children.
Representing Governor Otti at the event, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Emeh, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening the education sector in the state, with particular focus on Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic.
She disclosed that the Abia State Government currently allocates about 20 percent of its annual budget to education, describing it as a clear indication of the governor’s dedication to human capital development.
Emeh commended the rector and his management team for the remarkable transformation taking place in the institution and assured that the government would continue to support the polytechnic in its quest to become an internationally recognised technological hub.
She congratulated the newly admitted students for becoming part of the institution’s history at a time of significant reforms and urged them to be good ambassadors of their families, the school and the state.
The event attracted representatives from several tertiary institutions and agencies, including Gregory University, Nekede Polytechnic Owerri, Federal Polytechnic Isuochi, Abia State College of Health Technology, and Abia State College of Education (Technical).
Also present were representatives of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), as well as members of the Abia State House of Assembly led by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Austin Meregini.
Some of the matriculating students who spoke to journalists expressed excitement at gaining admission into the institution.
Ngozi Faith Ozioma of the Accountancy Department, Osiri Victor Ifeanyi of Architectural Technology, and Udo Ekomobong Pius of Biology/Microbiology thanked their parents for the opportunity and pledged to remain committed to their studies.
They also promised to make their families, the institution and other stakeholders proud through academic excellence and good conduct.
