The Rector of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic (OOPOLY), Aba, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu, has offered a full scholarship to a physically challenged student of the institution, Michael Emmanuel, to enable him to complete his Higher National Diploma (HND) programme without paying tuition fees.
The scholarship was announced on Thursday, November 12, 2026, when Emmanuel visited the Rector with a businessman, Mr Nwaguma Chikwado, who also presented him with a brand-new wheelchair to help him move around the school.
Emmanuel is an ND I student in the Department of Public Administration. He has a condition that affects both his legs and makes walking difficult. The new wheelchair is expected to make it easier for him to move around the school and attend his lectures.
Chikwado, who runs a business centre within the Polytechnic and also heads Vasco Communication, said he decided to help Emmanuel by providing him with a wheelchair to support his education and make life easier for him.
While receiving the student and the businessman, the Rector thanked Chikwado for showing kindness and concern for another person’s welfare. He described the donation as a good example of Christian love and care for others.
Engr. Dr. Okoro Kalu said the kind gesture also supports the people-focused programmes of the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.
The Rector announced that the Polytechnic would pay Emmanuel’s tuition fees until he completes his HND programme. He said the decision would reduce the financial burden on the student and allow him to concentrate on his studies.
He prayed that God would continue to bless Chikwado for his kindness. He also encouraged Emmanuel not to allow his physical condition to stop him from achieving his dreams. He advised him to take his studies seriously and remain focused.
In his response, Chikwado thanked God for making the occasion possible and appreciated the Rector for offering Emmanuel the scholarship. He also expressed happiness over the wheelchair donation, saying it would make movement easier for the student compared with his previous situation.
The gesture shows how individuals and institutions can work together to support students who face physical challenges. It also reminds society that every student deserves the opportunity to receive an education and achieve their dreams, regardless of their physical condition.
