Nekede Poly Inaugurates Parents’ Forum to Boost Governance, Infrastructure ||| NEWS CORNER

ThankGod Emeh…

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Basilia Igbokwe, has formally inaugurated a Parents Management Forum (PMF) aimed at strengthening stakeholder participation, improving infrastructure development, and enhancing student welfare in the institution.

Names of the Executive members that constitute Parents Forum include Mr. Anslem Onuoha – (Chairman), Dr. Obinna Iwueke – (Vice- Chairman), Mr. Gabriel Nwaka – (Secretary) and Mrs. Salvation Ubah -(Assistant Secretary).

Speaking at the inaugural meeting held at the institution’s 1,000-capacity auditorium in Owerri on Friday March 6, the Rector described the initiative as a “historic milestone” designed to deepen collaboration between the Polytechnic management and parents or guardians of students.

According to her, the forum received formal approval from the institution’s Governing Council as part of deliberate efforts to strengthen institutional governance and expand stakeholder engagement in the academic community.

Dr. Igbokwe

Dr. Igbokwe said the new forum recognizes parents as critical partners in the academic and moral development of students, stressing that student success is a shared responsibility among families, the institution, and other stakeholders.

“The establishment of the Parents Management Forum represents a strategic measure to consolidate our achievements through structured and sustained collaboration between the institution and the family home front,” she said.

The Rector explained that the PMF would support the institution in several areas, including mobilizing supplementary resources for development initiatives, improving infrastructure, strengthening financial sustainability, and attracting partnerships and external support.

Dr. Igbokwe further disclosed that the forum would play a role in supporting the institution’s digital transformation agenda, which includes automation of key academic and administrative processes such as student registration, results processing, electronic transcript services, and digital clearance systems.

According to her, these digital platforms are designed to improve transparency, efficiency, and accessibility while enabling parents to receive appropriate updates on their wards’ academic progress in line with institutional regulations.

Membership of the forum includes parents and guardians, principal officers of the Polytechnic, selected deputy registrars, heads of departments, course advisers, hostel officers, representatives of the host community, the institution’s security unit, and the Students’ Union Government.

“Under the proposed leadership structure, the forum will be chaired by a representative of the parents and guardians, while a vice chairman will be drawn from the Polytechnic community.

Dr. Igbokwe also revealed that the forum would hold statutory meetings once every semester, with provisions for emergency meetings when necessary.

To ensure transparency and accountability, she explained that the PMF would manage its finances independently through a dedicated account with the Polytechnic Microfinance Bank, while also operating as a registered non-governmental organisation in compliance with Nigerian laws.

“A Board of Trustees will provide strategic oversight, safeguard the forum’s assets, and ensure adherence to governance and regulatory standards”, she added.

The Rector expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen discipline, improve student welfare, and enhance the institution’s reputation.

“This initiative marks a significant milestone in our institutional journey. It will enhance student welfare, reinforce discipline, promote academic excellence, and contribute to the overall stability and reputation of the Polytechnic,” she said.

She called on parents and other stakeholders to embrace the platform with commitment and integrity in order to support the continued growth of the institution.