Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Abolishes Statements of Result, Introduces Digital Certificate Verification

In a bold move to modernize academic processes, Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Abia State, has announced the cancellation of statements of results and the ban on handout sales. This reform is part of a wider strategy to digitalize operations, improve transparency, and reduce unnecessary expenses for students.

The Rector of the polytechnic, Dr. Christopher Okoro, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the new leadership of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council.

Digital Results Upload to Replace Manual Processes

According to Dr. Okoro, all results will now be uploaded to the school’s online portal within six weeks after examinations. This policy eliminates the common challenge of students lobbying lecturers for grades or waiting months before accessing their academic records.

“Once the examinations are concluded, results must be uploaded six weeks after. Students no longer need to pursue lecturers for grades,” he explained.

Certificates with QR Code for Easy Employer Verification

As part of the reforms, the polytechnic has phased out the issuance of statements of result. Instead, graduates will receive certificates embedded with QR codes, enabling employers, government agencies, and international institutions to verify authenticity instantly.

This digital certificate verification system places Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic among the few Nigerian polytechnics leveraging technology to combat certificate forgery and improve employer trust.

Dr. Okoro criticized the old process that required graduates to pay additional fees for clearance and certificates years after graduation, calling it exploitative and outdated.

Ban on Handouts and Textbook Exploitation

The rector also announced the end of compulsory handout and textbook sales, a long-standing practice in Nigerian tertiary institutions. He emphasized that students should no longer be forced to buy academic materials from lecturers, ensuring a fairer and more affordable learning environment.

Improved Staff Welfare and Infrastructure Development

The institution has also cleared 36 months of accumulated salary arrears owed to staff by previous administrations. According to Dr. Okoro, this has improved staff morale and strengthened the institution’s stability.

In addition, infrastructure upgrades are ongoing to support a more conducive learning environment for students.

Accreditation Restored and New Programmes Approved

Previously deregistered by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the polytechnic has now regained full accreditation for all 33 of its programmes. Furthermore, the NBTE has approved 17 new courses, including Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Mechatronics Engineering, and Fashion Design Technology—programmes designed to meet modern industry demands.

Dr. Okoro praised Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for supporting the institution’s reforms and forward-looking academic initiatives.

Journalists Commend Polytechnic’s Reforms

Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents Chapel, Steve Oko, applauded the rector for repositioning the polytechnic within a short time. He described him as “a phenomenal agent of change” and encouraged him to sustain the progress.

Mr. Oko further advised the institution to develop research-driven programmes that align with Nigeria’s evolving economy while avoiding unprofessional reporting from untrained social media practitioners.