Ogbonnaya Ọnụ Polytechnic Immortalize Former Rector, Names New Auditorium After Her

The Management of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, has immortalised its immediate past Acting Rector, Engr. Mrs. Chidinma Martha Ndukwe, by naming the institution’s newly retrofitted auditorium after her.

The announcement was made during a retirement reception held after the institution’s monthly Academic Board meeting. The event also featured cash gifts, office equipment and commendation messages in appreciation of her years of service.

The Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu, said the honour symbolizes the institution’s appreciation of a leader whose cooperation ensured a smooth transition of administration when he assumed office in March 2024.

According to him, Ndukwe ensured there was no vacuum in leadership by making available every document and administrative detail required for handover.

“For one day, she did not withhold any information from me,” the Rector said, adding that the cordial working relationship they shared remains a model of institutional teamwork.

He maintained that enduring institutions are built on cooperation rather than individual accomplishments, noting that every achievement recorded by the present administration has been driven by collective effort.

Beyond the auditorium naming, Management presented the former Acting Rector with a complete set of office equipment to support her retirement activities. Staff, academic units and professional bodies also made separate cash presentations in her honour.

The Polytechnic further announced a ₦2 million retirement gift for her.

Tributes were paid by the Student Affairs Division, outgoing Students’ Union Government, SSIT, SMCM&LS, SET, SEDT, SMBT, GNS, CCE, ASUP, Chief Lecturers, Item Representatives, the Polytechnic Fellowship (Chapel of Mercy) and members of Management. All acknowledged her years of service to the institution.

Responding, Engr. Ndukwe expressed gratitude for the honour, saying she never imagined the institution would celebrate her retirement on such a scale.

She recalled praying for God to raise a Rector who would attract greater government attention to the Polytechnic, adding that she believes the institution has continued to attract greater government attention under Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu.

“What I said casually has left me in awe. I never expected the Polytechnic to honour me in this manner. My name will remain part of this institution because you all made it possible,” she said.

Engr. Ndukwe was appointed Acting Rector on June 5, 2023, becoming the first woman to head the institution. She served until March 18, 2024, when Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu was appointed substantive Rector.