Oko Poly Governing Council, Students Express Confidence in Awuzie led Management

By Praise Chinecherem

Governing Council and students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra state have passed vote of confidence in the Dr Chioma Awuzie-led administration of the institution.

Chairman of the Council, Sen. Barnabas Gemade stated this shortly after a peaceful protest by students of the institution in solidarity to the Rector, Council and entire management of the institution.

The protest may not be unconnected with a recent statement credited to a certain cleric alleging politicization of headship of educational institutions in the country.

He cited examples with Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Oko Polytechnic, accusing the Polytechnic’s Governing Council and staff of docility and cowardice over the ugly trend, which he said was capable of destroying education system.

But addressing the protesting students on Tuesday, Gemade expressed worry over what he termed terrific ignorance being expressed by certain individuals outside the Polytechnic community.

He appreciated the students for the peaceful protest in solidarity with the Rector, calling for their assistance in educating the uninformed.

He said, “Today, you’ve come out here to prove that this governing Council has done the right thing for the polytechnic.

“It’s becoming clear to me that the polytechnic community is extremely happy with the development in the institution.

“We’ve seen great change from when we came in and now. We’ve seen greater change from the day Dr Awuzie was appointed Rector.

“So many new things are happening, so many dead things are being brought life and students are beginning to experience new lease of life.

“On the other hand, it’s appearing that some big people who are not part of this community, but seek to benefit from it are not quite happy with what is happening here.

“Some terrific ignorance being expressed from outside by big individuals. It’s unfortunate.

“I charge you to go out there to educate your parents so they can educate those ignorant people who are making statement totally inappropriate and unbecoming of their positions.

“We in the Council will continue to do everything that will be for the promotion of good administration of the institution.

“We believe that on graduation, you’ll become good ambassadors of the institution to take away knowledge and character.

“We thank you for being calm in the face of obvious unnecessary problems.”

Earlier, President, Students Union Government of the institution, Odimegwu Emmanuel who spoke on behalf of the students described the Rector as students’ friendly and non-discriminatory.

“We’re here to show solidarity to our student-friendly mama. She’s yet to clock 100days in office but she’s doing extremely well. She has restored peace and harmony in the school.

“Besides, her appointment was purely on merit. You can see from our placards her numerous achievements. I call her a magician and messiah of the Polytechnic.

“You can see joy radiating on our faces. We’ll continue to support her, encourage and pray God to give her wisdom to keep on doing well and to avoid distractions,” he added.