Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Set to Collaborate with the University of Minnesota

The Commissioner of Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme-Uche, has stated that Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba, Abia State, is set to collaborate with the University of Minnesota, United States, in exchange programs, where students from both institutions can study under each other’s instructors and vice versa.

She made this statement while on a working visit to the Institution on Friday, and received members of the Active World Assembly with the Rector, Engr. Christopher Kalu Okoro.

Dr. Onyeabor Chimaraoke, a lecturer at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, and a member of the Active World Assembly, introduced Prof. Pastor Colin Miller, the Faculty Director of Information Technology Infrastructure at the University of Minnesota, along with Dr. Aurelia Milan, the Director of Christian Education and a Mathematics Educator. He revealed that they seek plans for collaboration between the two institutions and acknowledged the efforts made during the time of the Rector, Engr Christopher Kalu Okoro, at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, emphasising the need for partnerships.

At the event, Prof. Pastor Colin Miller stated, “We have six areas of technology. In the marketplace, the primary areas of knowledge include infrastructure, data science, business intelligence, data management, networking, security, and systems. Programs will begin in the fall of 2026, along with program development.”

He emphasised the collaboration in exchange programs, where students from both institutions can study under each other’s instructors and vice versa. This includes instructors from Minnesota teaching classes at the Polytechnic. With over 68,000 students at their university, they view this as a significant opportunity for students. They also extend similar programs to East African countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia, offering undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate education. Additional workshop opportunities, leadership training, project management, and employee training were also discussed.

Excited about the potential collaboration, Prof. Eme-Uche mentioned that just two years ago, the Polytechnic was struggling, but thanks to the revitalisation efforts of Governor Alex Otti, who ensured that salaries owed were paid. Under the leadership of a vibrant Rector, they have been exploring areas of international collaboration that would benefit their students.

“We need a lot of collaboration, exposure, and commitment. We are faith-based people and are ready to cooperate. You are in good hands with the Rector and our attentive Governor. Our students are bright and innovative but require the right exposure, which we are eager to provide.”

Prof. Pastor Colin Miller expressed that as soon as he returns, he plans to reach out to the Polytechnic and discuss possibilities for collaboration, including preparing the necessary documents for the project.

He revealed that he is not only a professor but also a pastor, with over 30 years of experience in Information Technology. He noted that there have been exchange programs with students from Asia and Europe, but the lack of similar opportunities in Africa is concerning, and he is keen to pursue these projects.

He mentioned that the core values of the University of Minnesota are ALICE, A – Accessibility, L – Lifelong Learning, I – Innovation, C – Collaboration and E – Excellence.

Prof. Miller emphasised his eagerness to find out what it would take to facilitate student exchanges and expressed that it would be a joy to teach such bright students.

Speaking, the Rector, Engr. Okoro also welcomed the visitors and stated that the Institution was always ready to collaborate to ensure that the lives of Abia children are affected positively.

The meeting ended with a promise of future collaboration that will benefit the Students of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Abia State.

Also present at the meeting were Reverend Chinedu Ndukwe, the Registrar of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Mr Oriaku Chinyere C., the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tertiary Education Mrs Chinyere Okeziem-Nwoko Esq, and other Heads of Departments of the Ministry, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tertiary Education Dr Emeka Enyiazu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Communication Mr
Dodoh Okafor and others.