Dr. Basillia Igbokwe has officially assumed office as the 9th substantive Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, with a strong commitment to drive transformational change. During her inauguration, Igbokwe expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received from the polytechnic community, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the Federal Ministry of Education.
In her inaugural address, Dr. Igbokwe promised to foster unity within the institution by reaching out to her colleagues who vied for the position. She emphasized her commitment to a harmonious relationship with the academic and non-academic staff, student unions, and labor leaders, aiming for the institution’s overall progress.
The new Rector unveiled her agenda for the institution, which includes prioritizing staff welfare, addressing malpractices, extortion, and absenteeism, and promoting discipline on campus. Dr. Igbokwe vowed to restore environmental cleanliness, embrace ICT, and further consolidate the Smart Campus Initiative. She also plans to improve the internally generated revenue (IGR) by reviving key ventures such as the polytechnic’s tissue production and fishery units.
Dr. Igbokwe emphasized the importance of linking the institution to the national grid for improved power supply, enhancing corporate social responsibility, and establishing global partnerships and exchange programs.
Imo State Deputy Governor, Chinyere Ekomaru, who represented Governor Hope Uzodinma at the event, urged the new Rector to implement innovative vocational and technical programs that would solidify Federal Polytechnic Nekede’s status as a premier institution.
