NITP Lists 34-Month Salary Arrears Payment, Expansion As Gains Under Okoro At Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic

The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, NITP, Abia State Chapter, has listed the payment of 34 months salary arrears, expansion of academic and administrative structures, and transition to the permanent site as major developments recorded at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, under Rector Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu.

The Institute made this known on Thursday, September 17, 2026, during a courtesy visit to the Polytechnic.

The delegation, led by the Chapter Chairman, Anyanwu Ignatius Uzoma, was received at the Council Chamber by the Deputy Rector, Administration, Dr. Chizaram Ogbuji, on behalf of the Rector.

The NITP highlighted staff welfare as a key achievement, citing the payment of 34 months salary arrears, regular monthly salary payments, settlement of promotion arrears and approval of the 2024 salary structure.

It also listed the introduction of more than 10 new departments and directorates, renovation and refurbishment of blocks and offices, improvement of the physical environment and the movement of the institution to its permanent site.

Other measures noted include monthly allowances for Deans, Directors and Heads of Departments, allowances for members of the Academic Board, approved allowances for Chief Lecturers, as well as conferences and scholarships supported through TETFund.

The Chairman noted the appointment of Tpl. Dr. Veronica Okoye, FNITP, as Dean of the School of Environmental Design Technology, describing it as a boost to the relationship between the Polytechnic and the planning profession.

Uzoma said Dr. Okoro holds the distinction of being the first Rector of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic and the last Rector of the former Abia State Polytechnic, adding that the visit is the first official visit by the Abia Chapter to the Rector in the new era.

“In the same historic spirit, you have emerged as the first Rector to receive an official visit from the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Abia State Chapter, in this new era of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic. We consider this a significant milestone,” he said.

The Institute also appealed for the introduction of Environmental Consciousness and Management, URP 120, as a general course to promote environmental awareness, sustainable development and responsible citizenship among students.

Responding, Dr. Ogbuji said the recognition was an acknowledgment of developments that directly affected the Polytechnic community, particularly staff welfare.

“Rector made us to forget our bad days. Rector wasn’t earning while fighting to see our outstanding arrears were paid,” Ogbuji said.

He thanked the NITP for documenting the developments and assured of continued cooperation between the institution and the town planning profession.