The Rector of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu, has welcomed a delegation from the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), a women-focused group under the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
The team was led by SWAN’s 12th National Chairperson, Mrs. Blessing N. Osakwe-Ogo (JP), FAC, and was received by the Rector and members of the Polytechnic management at the Chamber Hall.
Mrs. Osakwe-Ogo praised the school for its improvements in administration and infrastructure. She said the environment has become more supportive for ICAN and SWAN members working in the institution. She also explained that SWAN’s mission is to build the professional skills of women accountants, promote gender balance, mentor young women, and educate members on avoiding sexual harassment and other misconduct at work.
In his response, Dr. Kalu thanked the team for acknowledging the Polytechnic’s progress. He commended ICAN and SWAN members in the school for their professionalism and their contributions to the institution’s growth. He assured the delegation that the Polytechnic remains strongly committed to integrity, accountability, and high ethical standards.
During the visit, both parties discussed possible areas of partnership, such as financial literacy training, mentorship programs for female students, and strengthening accounting-related courses. SWAN representatives expressed their readiness to help train young women for leadership positions in finance and corporate governance.
Members of the Polytechnic community said the visit was timely and aligned with the school’s renewed effort to work closely with professional bodies for the benefit of staff and students. They believe the partnership will create more opportunities for female accounting professionals on campus.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Osakwe-Ogo urged the Polytechnic to continue promoting transparency and gender inclusion. She said SWAN will keep supporting institutions that uphold professionalism, ethics, and the advancement of women in the workplace.
The visit ended with an exchange of souvenirs and a group photograph to mark the strengthened relationship between SWAN and Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic.
