By Deborah Chinonyerem Uzoma & Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah
When dawn broke over Federal Polytechnic Nekede on Thursday, December 4th, 2025, it revealed more than the calm of a new day, it cast light on a campus in the midst of rebirth. Under the purposeful leadership of Dr. Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe, the institution is experiencing a renaissance defined by innovation, discipline, and restorative development.
A Pre-Thanksgiving Celebration That Set the Tone: The Walkathon
The Thanksgiving spirit did not begin on Thursday. On Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025, the campus came alive with a vibrant Walkathon, the 2nd edition of the wellness initiative jointly organized by the Institution’s Sports Directorate and the Federal Polytechnic Nekede Women Association (FEPNOWA).
The event pulled lecturers, non-teaching staff, students, sports enthusiasts, and community members into a lively fitness march around campus.
It was a colourful procession led by the Rector and Members of Management Staff, music floating in the air, brisk steps echoing motivation, and aerobics sessions pumping energy into participants.
The Walkathon symbolized unity and wellness, serving as the perfect prelude to the celebrations that followed.
A Campus Reborn Through Technology
This transformation became vividly clear as the Rector, after a 45-minute interactive and engaging press conference with gentlemen of the press, led them through key facilities. It became evident that this was not merely an administrator fulfilling routine obligations; this was a woman rebuilding a legacy, with a compelling narrative of progress.
The day opened at the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Centre, once an unimpressive hub that had lost its accreditation for JAMB examinations. Today, the centre stands proudly restored, modernized, and fully re-equipped.
ICT Director, Dr. Ijeoma Ibe, could barely contain her excitement as she shared the achievement: “Our JAMB accreditation is back. The centre is now more conducive than ever, for students, staff, and all digital examinations.”
Where inefficiency once resided, technological excellence now thrives.
Where Aquaculture Thrives
The tour continued to the institution’s fish ponds, an oasis of movement, life, and research. Led by the dynamic HOD of Agriculture, *Mr. Adewale Ojukannayo*, the team watched as tilapia, catfish, and fingerlings swirled in well maintained ponds.
With rhythmic precision, he demonstrated the feeding cycle, highlighting how the Rector’s support has expanded aquaculture not only as a research unit but as a vibrant entrepreneurial opportunity for students and staff.
Purity, Production, and Prosperity
At the Pure Water Factory, modern machinery hummed with businesslike efficiency. Factory Manager
Mr. Paul Uzokwu guided the team through each stage of production, from sterilization to packaging, emphasizing the factory’s uncompromising quality standards. “No taste. No colour. No odour. Just pure, clean water,” he assured, full of professional confidence.
What began as a service unit is now a growing source of employment and internally generated revenue.
A Paper Story Told in Precision
The Tissue Factory, once dormant, has been entirely revived. Operational Manager Agumou Philemon demonstrated how paper waste is transformed into finely rolled and packaged tissue products. The process, cutting, rolling, sealing, and branding, flowed with industrial precision.
This revival reflects the Rector’s commitment to sustainable entrepreneurship and practical skills training.
Hostels on the Rise Again
The hostel inspection revealed the heart of Dr. Igbokwe’s mission. Walking through corridors undergoing renovation, she examined structural upgrades, electrical improvements, and sanitation enhancements.
Her message was resolute: “We are going to give the students a modern facility, one that can stand the test of time.”
This is not mere aesthetics, it is a restoration of dignity, safety, and comfort for thousands of students.
A Rector Driven by Purpose
Throughout the facility tour and earlier wellness activities, one truth became clear: Dr. Basilia Igbokwe is shifting the paradigm of polytechnic leadership.
Her vision intertwines digital innovation, entrepreneurial expansion, environmental sanitation, human capital development, and structural restoration. She is not just administering a school, she is rebuilding a legacy.
As one journalist whispered at the close of the tour: “This is not just transformation… this is rebirth.”
The Rector’s Thanksgiving Service & Award Ceremony
Later that afternoon, the 1000-Capacity Auditorium radiated with colour and celebration as staff, students, dignitaries, and guests gathered for the Rector’s Thanksgiving Service, Christmas Carol, Award Ceremony, and Magazine Launch, the maiden edition of an annual tradition introduced by Dr. Igbokwe.
The hall pulsed with gratitude, Christmas harmonies, prayers, and moments of reflection.
The Guest Speaker, Pastor Smart Odiaua, delivered a profound message anchored on the theme “Overflowing Gratitude.”
In his sermon, he unveiled the principles that govern a life of overflowing gratitude and emphasized why every believer must intentionally operate in that spiritual realm. His message stirred hearts, reminding worshippers that gratitude is not an event but a posture that sustains breakthroughs, peace, and divine favour.
The Christmas Carol segment added colour and reverence to the atmosphere, featuring four choirs that captivated the audience with resounding Christmas songs and classical hymnals. Their voices rose in harmony, rich, soulful, and uplifting, setting a perfect backdrop for the celebration’s spiritual depth and festive joy.
A Spoken-Word Moment That Captured Every Heart
One of the most captivating highlights was the spoken-word poetry segment featuring four outstanding Rector’s Media Office trained secondary school students: Amaechi Chimamanda, Nweke Chinaza, Onyenoro Melody, and Okorie Fidel.
With boldness beyond their years, they delivered electrifying pieces on: Leadership & Legacy; The Future of Education; Transformation & Vision; and National Values and Civic Growth
Their performances drew thunderous applause and admiration from the audience. Their voices symbolized the generation Dr. Igbokwe is preparing, confident, visionary, and ready to lead.
Awarding Excellence: Celebrating the Best of FPNO
The ceremony honoured exceptional staff whose contributions continue to strengthen the institution.
A. Most Proactive Staff
– Dr. Saint Paul Christopher
– Mr. Chizitere Ihezie
– Mrs. Jaachimma Chukwueke
– Esv. Madu Malachy
B. Most Well-Dressed Staff
– Pastor Joe Ahanonu
– Mrs. Agbomma Oziegbe
C. Most Dedicated HOD
– Mr. Okata Ugochukwu Godwin
D. Most Dedicated Dean
– Dr. Chikezie Derek Okoronkwo
E. Most Dedicated Deputy Registrar
– Mr. Gabriel O. Nwaka
F. Most Humble & Respectful Staff
– Engr. Ologuntoye Oluwole Adebola
G. Most Innovative Staff
– Dr. Simon Onyenwenjo
H. Most Honest Staff
– Mrs. Ijeoma Eboh
– Surv. Olusegun Ajayi
I. Most Dedicated Bursary Staff
– Mr. Ajaraogu Daniel
J. Most Punctual Staff
– Mr. Gabriel Nwaka
These individuals embody integrity, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the institution’s growth.
Cake Cutting & Magazine Launch: A Grand Finale
The climax of the celebration was the ceremonial cutting of a beautifully crafted cake produced by Dr. Nene Ugorji. The Rector, Management Staff, and top officers jointly officiated the moment, a symbol of unity and shared vision.
Another significant highlight was the unveiling and launch of the Fedpolynek Magazine: Special One-Year Edition documenting the Rector’s achievements.
The ceremony was ably anchored by the Editor-in-Chief and Chairman of the Editorial Board, Pastor (Mrs.) Jeribe Chigozirim, whose coordination gave the unveiling a prestigious touch.
The Chairman’s Testament
To formally close the ceremony, Surv. Olusegun Ajayi, Chairman of the Rector’s Thanksgiving Service Committee, delivered the vote of thanks.
In his brief but heartfelt remarks, he appreciated the Rector for her visionary leadership, the Management team for their unwavering support, and the entire FPNO community for contributing to the success of the historic event.
He noted that the day’s activities reflected “ the unity, discipline, and renewed spirit shaping the new Federal Polytechnic Nekede”. He also extended gratitude to invited guests, staff, students, and all committees who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, emphasizing that: “This celebration is a testament to what we can achieve when purpose meets commitment. We are grateful to God, grateful to our leaders, and grateful to everyone who made today remarkable.”
His closing words drew warm applause, perfectly rounding off a day defined by gratitude, excellence, and transformational impact.
A Campus on the Rise
From infrastructure renewal to technological advancement, entrepreneurial growth to employee recognition, Federal Polytechnic Nekede is experiencing a profound renaissance.
Under Dr. Igbokwe’s leadership, FPNO is becoming not only a centre of learning but an exemplary model of what purposeful, transformational leadership can achieve.
As carols faded and applause echoed at the close of the evening, one message stood firmly above all: Transforming Campuses, Transforming Lives. And at FPNO, both are happening, beautifully, boldly, and undeniably.
