The Rector, Abia State Polytechnic, Aba , Dr. Okoro Christopher Kalu, on Tuesday doled out his achievements in office since he became the Rector five months ago.
Dr. Okoro while addressing staff and students during the institution’s Congregation held at the Institution’s Pavilion, revealed that he is poised to ensure that things are done differently from the way it was done by previous administrations in the institution.
He said previous administrations left the institution in what he described as the “Valley of the Shadow of Death”, adding that the present government under Dr. Alex Otti will leave no stone unturned in transforming every sector of the government is developed.
The Rector revealed that past administrations in the institution were not able to access any intervention from the government, noting that within 5 months of being on the saddle, he has attracted the sum of N500 grant from TETFUND for the fencing of the Institution’s Permanent site, N400m for equipment upgrade, and N350m for Skills Development Center.
He stated that he rejected the approved Hilux Van signed by the past Rector which he is meant to inherit from TETFUND and directed it to be used for the construction of 350 capacity classroom blocks for learning worth N550m from same TETFUND.
Dr. Okoro, further stated that on assumption, he was able to expose the decay which the previous Management did by diverting N150m which according to him, was done by one Dr. Chigbu Njike and others, adding that this act led to their suspension.
He hinted that currently Chigbu has returned N1.5m of the approved and diverted amount by the previous Management, stressing that this act of returning the money further buttressed his point that previous administrations messed up the institution.
On his relationship with the Governor , the Rector said he has enjoyed harmonious working relationship with Dr. Alex Otti, stressing that he has responded swiftly to the problems of the institution aimed at ensuring that the institution is given a facelift.
The Rector said the Governor has approved that the entire school environment be tiled including the classrooms which are undergoing renovation, revealing that the state government has also approved that the institution have a Center for Skill Acquisition free of charge with equipment to be given after completion of the training for start up.
He commended the Governor for graciously approving the renovation of the Rector’s lodge which was abandoned by the previous management, adding that the renovation has not cost the institution any extra amount.
Dr. Okoro also lauded the lecturers of the institution for working round the clock and ensuring that they upload students results online for easy assessment urging students to update their JAMB details to enable them mobilise them for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Speaking on the welfare of staff, the Rector, informed them that a committee has been setup to look into critical issues bothering on proper placement and conversion which he said will start up next week, after which promotion exercise will commence.
He appreciated the Student Union Government (SUG) for their support as well as the staff and students, stressing that together they will get things right which is his slogan.
Dr. Okoro, also used the opportunity to disclose that the institution has introduced 9 new departments with Robotic Engineering among the new departments.
