The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe, has been honoured with an Award of Excellence in Leadership and formally inducted as a member of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN).
The recognition took place at the 2025 Empowerment Series themed: Media and Entrepreneurship for Self-Sustainability in the Era of an AI-Driven World, held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the New NUJ Press Centre, New Owerri, Imo State.
The occasion, chaired by Dr. Igbokwe, featured prominent communication scholars and professionals, including, Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri, Keynote Speaker and Chief Dr. Ify Lilian Onyebule, Keynote Speaker II. Other notable attendees included Prof. Victor Koga, Bishop Uzoma Emmanuel, and a delegation from the Department of Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, led by Mrs. Felicia Ejiogu and the current Head of Department, Dr. Linda Ikechukwu.
Represented at the event by Princess Regina Amadi, Ph.D., the Rector was described as, “A special gift to humanity and a pride to Federal Polytechnic Nekede”.
Dr. Igbokwe’s citation highlighted a career spanning health administration, public service, and academia. She has served as Head of the Department of Mass Communication (2013–2017), Head of Humanities (2013–2023), Director, Deputy Director, and Governing Council Member. With over 40 publications and multiple professional fellowships, she was celebrated as “A teacher, researcher, administrator, mentor, wife, and mother, whose relentless pursuit of excellence sets her apart.”
Receiving the award on her behalf, Princess Dr. Regina thanked ACSPN for the honour, emphasizing the Rector’s deep commitment to service and human capacity development.
Speaking during the programme, Dr. (Mrs.) Adeline Nkwam Uwaoma, Imo State ACSPN Coordinator, noted that this was the second edition of the Empowerment Series.
She stressed that ACSPN remains unique because it brings together scholars, lecturers, journalists, and students in one platform to build capacity, exchange knowledge, and network for impact.
She expressed gratitude to the Rector, keynote speakers, and participants for their contributions, reaffirming ACSPN’s commitment to advancing communication practice and scholarship in Nigeria.
The honour bestowed on Dr. Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe not only recognizes her professional excellence but also gives greater credence to her administration at Federal Polytechnic Nekede. It reinforces her visionary leadership, commitment to academic excellence, and dedication to positioning the institution as a hub of innovation, research, and human capital development in Nigeria.
