Prof. Eme-Uche Visits Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Inspects Ongoing Projects

Professor Uche Eme-Uche, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, inspected ongoing projects of the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba, Abia State following the plans of the State Government to relocate the campus from Aba North to the Osisioma Campus.

During the inspection of the building project with her Project monitoring team comprising the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tertiary Education Mrs Chinyere Okeziem-Nwoko Esq, and other Heads of Department 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, Prof Eme-Uche applauded the significant improvement in the building projects and commended the Rector, Engr. Christopher Kalu Okoro, for his vibrancy and competence in realising the vision of the Governor, Dr Alex Otti for the Institution.

She, however, called for an integrity test on some of the buildings at the Osisioma Campus of the Institution, which was built from 2017 to 2020, to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Professor Eme-Uche who kicked off her working visit to Tertiary Institutions with Abia State College of Education (Technical) Arochukwu (ASCETA) and Abia State University Uturu (ABSU) on the 16th and 17th of July, 2025 expressed concerns about the layout of the buildings, stating that residential and classroom areas should be distinctly separated to avoid interference between the two.

“There’s no reason why classroom areas should be located close to hostels. Having the library adjacent to student accommodations seems disorderly. While the buildings may be completed, I suggest repurposing them to maintain orderliness and provide a suitable environment for a tertiary institution.”

In response, the Rector of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Engr. C. K. Okoro explained that there is a master plan aimed at developing the institution to meet global standards. He noted that initial challenges stemmed from land ownership issues and were resolved based on the availability of land.

“Some projects, referred to as distressed projects, such as those for the General Studies, library, medical centre, and administrative offices, were initiated between 2017 and 2020. These projects have been impacted by inflation. However, they will be completed before the upcoming convocation and will be officially commissioned by the Commissioner,” he stated.

He disclosed that TETFUND had allocated N587 million to help complete the distressed buildings affected by inflation, assuring that the projects would be finished before the institution’s convocation scheduled for November 2025. “After the convocation, some personnel, possibly the Deputy Rector, will begin transitioning to this campus,” he added.

The Rector instructed the Director of Works to carefully assess the buildings, indicating that most constructed by the previous administration would be demolished if they fail the integrity assessment. “The irony is that only 15% of the funds remain, but we will dismantle any building deemed unsafe. Before taking such action, we will communicate with TETFUND since they initiated the projects. Demolition can only occur in emergencies that pose a threat to students and staff,” he clarified.

Furthermore, the Rector mentioned plans to convert the ABSU building at the institution into a Basic Science School and to erect a fence around the hostels, while taking into consideration the layout to meet tertiary education standards.

He also raised concerns about boundary disputes with the Umuiheoma community, which is part of the four communities from which the institution’s land was acquired. “We are still addressing issues with the Umuiheoma community, while the other three communities account for 95% of our land. Honourable Fine from the House of Assembly is already involved, and we expect to resolve this by next week,” he noted.

The Rector stated that the entire institution would move to the Osisioma Campus, except the Engineering, Hospitality, and Skills Acquisition departments. This move is aimed at capitalising on the central location of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic in Aba, making it accessible for shoemakers and other local businesses. “The prototypes and incubation plans we are developing are primarily situated here, which is why we are not relocating all departments to Osisioma,” he concluded.

The visit culminated with a tour of the institution, including the engineering laboratory, bakery, printing press, and various other projects.

Present at the event were the Deputy Rector, Dr Chizaram Ogbuji, Registrar of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Mr Oriaku Chinyere C. and others.