Federal Polytechnic Oko Strengthens Partnership Drive with Anambra State Government for Economic and Skill Development

Federal Polytechnic Oko has intensified efforts to build strategic partnerships with the Anambra State Government as part of a broader initiative to drive institutional growth, youth empowerment, and sustainable economic development.

The Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Engr. Dr. Barnabas Gemade, alongside the Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, paid a high-level courtesy visit to the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, to explore areas of collaboration that will deliver long-term benefits to both the institution and the state.

During the meeting, the Council Chairman emphasized that the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing relationship between the polytechnic and the state government, particularly following the appointment of a substantive Rector. He noted that Federal Polytechnic Oko is committed to fostering deeper cooperation in key sectors capable of driving innovation, education, and economic advancement.

He commended the state government for ongoing infrastructural developments, especially road construction projects within the Oko community, describing them as critical to improving access, mobility, and economic activities in the area. He encouraged the government to sustain its development agenda for the overall progress of the state.

In her remarks, the Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, congratulated the Governor on his continued leadership and reaffirmed the institution’s readiness to support the state’s development initiatives. She called for stronger collaboration in areas such as technical education, research, innovation, and workforce development, noting that such partnerships are essential for preparing students for the demands of the modern economy.

Providing further insight, the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, highlighted the immense opportunities that can be unlocked through a stronger alliance between the polytechnic and the state. She explained that enhanced collaboration would create value-driven initiatives capable of empowering youths, promoting entrepreneurship, and accelerating socio-economic growth across Anambra State.

Representing the Governor, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, welcomed the delegation and acknowledged Federal Polytechnic Oko as a reputable institution known for producing graduates who are making meaningful contributions across various sectors of the economy.

He stressed the critical role of polytechnic education in national development, particularly in the area of technical and vocational skills. He commended the institution’s management for maintaining the vision and standards upon which the polytechnic was established.

The Deputy Governor also pointed to the impact of the state government’s “One Youth, Two Skills” initiative, a programme designed to equip young people with practical, income-generating skills. He noted that collaboration between the polytechnic and the state government in this area could significantly enhance youth empowerment, reduce unemployment, and boost economic productivity.

Reaffirming the administration’s vision, he stated that the state government remains committed to transforming Anambra into a destination where people can live, work, invest, and thrive. He added that ongoing development efforts span multiple sectors, including education, infrastructure, and economic development.

The visit was attended by key government officials and stakeholders, including Prof. Frank Collins Okafor, Chief of Protocol to the Governor; Engr. Dr. Florence Idigo Ibenta, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor; and Dr. Nwabufo Nwankwo, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, among others.

The engagement marks a strategic step toward building a results-driven partnership that will enhance educational outcomes, promote skill acquisition, and support long-term economic transformation in Anambra State.