Integrity in Action: Federal Polytechnic Nekede Celebrates Transformational Leadership as Evidence Magazine Crowns Dr. Basilia Igbokwe Woman of the Year 2025

By Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah
Special Assistant to the Rector on Media Matters

A moment of pride, dignity and institutional celebration unfolded at the Rector’s Office of Federal Polytechnic Nekede as Principal Officers, members of the Management Team and Directors gathered to witness a remarkable milestone in the leadership journey of Dr. Mrs. Basilia Nkemdirim Igbokwe.

In a brief but dignified private ceremony held on February 16, 2026, the Rector was formally honoured with the prestigious Evidence Magazine Woman of the Year 2025 award by Evidence Magazine Global.

The presentation was anchored by the School PRO, Mr. Anayo Ikeh, while the Magazine’s leadership was ably represented by Mr. Ngwaogu Ojimba Abel, the Editor in Chief of Evidence Magazine Global who delivered the award with eloquence and unmistakable admiration for the honouree.

A Crown of Honour for a Transformational Leader

Speaking on behalf of the Magazine’s Board and Management, Ngwaogu Ojimba described Dr. Igbokwe as “a rare embodiment of honour, dignity and administrative excellence in Nigeria’s education sector.”

He emphasized that while many Nigerians embrace the ideals of integrity and value driven leadership, only a few truly practice them, and “Dr. Basilia Igbokwe stands tall among those few.”

In a magnificent presentation that resonated deeply with those present, Ojimba highlighted her:

• Unwavering commitment to institutional reforms
• Transparent and accountable leadership style.
• Value creation targeted at uplifting humanity.
• Steady repositioning of Federal Polytechnic Nekede within a short time in office.

He noted that the award was not merely ceremonial but a recognition of measurable impact.

The Award Package

• The honour came with a rich package reflecting both recognition and documentation of legacy:An official citation.
• A copy of the award-winning Evidence Magazine.
• A commemorative souvenir.
• A 400-page historical publication titled.

“Historical and Political Developments in Nigeria from 1900, Date Including New Emerging Igbo Leaders”, in which Dr. Igbokwe is profiled as one of the emerging leaders and to whom the book is formally dedicated.

The dedication page and her profile within the volume symbolically position her leadership within Nigeria’s evolving political and institutional development narrative.

Rector’s Response: “This Honour Belongs to the Polytechnic Community”

In her remarks after receiving the award, Dr. Igbokwe expressed gratitude to Evidence Magazine Global for the recognition, describing it as “a call to greater service rather than a personal celebration.”

She stated: “This honour is not mine alone. It belongs to the entire Federal Polytechnic Nekede community, to our Governing Council, Management, staff and students whose collective effort continues to move this institution forward.”

She reaffirmed her commitment to transparency, discipline, academic excellence and infrastructural development, noting that leadership is meaningful only when it positively impacts lives.

The Rector further encouraged women in leadership to remain focused, resilient and value driven, stressing that *“integrity remains the strongest currency in public service.”

A Pattern of Recognition Within 16 Months

Remarkably, the Evidence Magazine Woman of the Year award adds to a growing list of recognitions that have trailed the Rector within just sixteen months of her assumption of office.

Observers within and outside the Polytechnic note that: Institutional reforms have attracted national attention.

Administrative restructuring has enhanced efficiency and accountability. Infrastructure upgrades and policy innovations have strengthened the Polytechnic’s public image. Stakeholder confidence has significantly increased.

The steady stream of awards and commendations reflects not only personal recognition but also institutional resurgence.

For the Polytechnic Community, these honours reinforce a renewed sense of pride and validation that the institution is on a progressive trajectory under purposeful leadership.

A Defining Moment for the Institution

Principal Officers and Directors stood in solidarity during the presentation, the atmosphere conveyed more than celebration, it signified institutional affirmation.

• The award symbolizes:A validation of visionary leadership.
• A reflection of collective institutional effort.
• A beacon of inspiration to women in public administration.
• A strengthening of Federal Polytechnic Nekede’s national reputation

In less than two years, Dr. Mrs. Basilia Nkemdirim Igbokwe has not only steered the Polytechnic with administrative firmness and humane leadership but has also elevated its visibility within national discourse.

The Woman of the Year 2025 honour stands as both recognition and responsibility, a reminder that transformative leadership leaves visible footprints.

And at Federal Polytechnic Nekede, those footprints are becoming increasingly impossible to ignore.