Nekede Poly Rector Marks Two Years with ₦1bn Agric Project, 1,200-Bed Hostels, 80 Percent NYSC Backlog Clearance

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Dr. Basilia Igbokwe, has marked two years in office with a scorecard featuring a ₦1 billion Agricultural Commercial Farms project, 1, 200-bed-space hostels, 466 solar street lights and the clearance of more than 80 per cent of what she described as a 50, 000-case NYSC backlog.

Igbokwe, the 9th Substantive Rector, disclosed the milestones while presenting her two-year scorecard at a thanksgiving service held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the institution’s 1, 000-capacity auditorium to mark her birthday and second anniversary in office.

The occasion also featured the unveiling of the administration’s Two-Year Chronicles documentary, themed “Documenting Impact, Celebrating Milestones, Building a Stronger Future,” which used before-and-after visuals to showcase completed projects and changes recorded across the institution.

The Rector said her administration, since assuming office on September 10, 2024, had focused on academic excellence, infrastructure renewal, student welfare and digital transformation.

She highlighted the rehabilitation of hostels, renovation of the 1, 000-capacity auditorium, improved ICT and internet facilities, as well as expanded solar power installations across the Polytechnic.

On academics and digitalisation, Igbokwe announced approval for HND Pharmaceutical Technology and Chinese Language programmes, alongside CBT-based continuous assessment, QR code-enabled digital identity cards and digitalised SIWES certificates.

She also highlighted the flag-off of a state-of-the-art ICT Hub and Engineering Studio in partnership with Renaissance Africa, NCDMB and Megastar as one of the administration’s major technology-driven interventions.

Igbokwe reaffirmed the administration’s zero tolerance for extortion, harassment, sorting and academic malpractice, assuring students that no one would be victimised for reporting wrongdoing.

The triple-packaged Solemn Assembly, which filled the 1, 000-capacity auditorium, featured choral renditions and thanksgiving dances, culminating in the Rector’s celebratory procession with staff, students, management and dignitaries, followed by the cutting of her birthday cake.

Students and pupils from the institution’s Skills Acquisition Centre also showcased projects, including a website and robotic car, among other innovations.

Igbokwe thanked the Governing Council, Management, staff, students, TETFund, NDDC, partners, parents and alumni for their support, while urging the Polytechnic community to uphold discipline, hard work, innovation and godliness.

“My administration remains committed to leaving Federal Polytechnic Nekede better than we met it,” she said.