Dr. Basillia Igbokwe has officially been inaugurated as the 9th substantive Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s leadership. During her inaugural address, she expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support she received from staff, students, the polytechnic community, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the Federal Ministry of Education.

Pledging to promote unity and collaboration, Dr. Igbokwe emphasized her commitment to working alongside her former competitors for the rector position. She aims to foster positive relationships with both academic and non-academic staff, labor leaders, the student union government, and the broader polytechnic community.

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In outlining her vision for the future, Dr. Igbokwe highlighted several key priorities, including:

  • Enhancing Staff Welfare: She underscored the importance of addressing the needs and well-being of the staff to create a supportive work environment.
  • Combatting Malpractices: A strong focus will be placed on tackling issues such as extortion, absenteeism, cultism, and inappropriate dressing among students.
  • Environmental Cleanliness: Dr. Igbokwe is committed to restoring cleanliness on campus, fostering a healthy and appealing learning environment.
  • Promoting ICT and Smart Campus Initiatives: She plans to enhance information and communication technology infrastructure to support modern educational needs.
  • Increasing Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): Plans are in place to revive the polytechnic’s tissue, table water, fishery, and poultry production facilities to boost the institution’s revenue streams.
  • Connecting to the National Power Grid: Dr. Igbokwe aims to integrate the institution into the national power grid, enhancing its energy reliability.
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives: She is determined to improve the institution’s outreach and impact within the community.
  • Establishing Exchange Programs: Dr. Igbokwe plans to facilitate opportunities for student and faculty exchange to enhance educational experiences.

Henry Ikoro, Chairman of the 15th Governing Council, voiced his optimism about the future of the polytechnic under Dr. Igbokwe’s leadership. Meanwhile, Imo Deputy Governor Chinyere Ekomaru, representing Governor Hope Uzodinma, encouraged the new rector to undertake initiatives that would elevate the institution’s standing.

Support for Dr. Igbokwe has come from various quarters, including union leaders from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), as well as students and departmental heads. They have rallied behind her, urging a focus on enhancing staff welfare and improving the student learning environment.