Ikpeazu challenges new poly rector, Uzodimma urged to reopen schools

Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu yesterday told the new Rector of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Dr. Okorie Osonwa, to take drastic measures to reposition the institution.

Speaking while declaring open a three-day Education Summit on the way forward for the institution, Ikpeazu lamented the decrease in student population and the financial problems plaguing the school.

The governor said when he assumed office in May 2015, the polytechnic had N2 billion unpaid bank loan, which his administration settled.

“You should be innovative, introduce academic programmes that will respond to the yearnings and aspirations of the environment and reposition the institution to take advantage of the commercial environment of Aba to seek the means to remain relevant,” Ikpeazu said.

Osonwa assured the governor that the outcome of the summit would help develop the school.

Meanwhile, the League of Imo State Professionals, Anambra State chapter, has appealed to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma to reopen schools in his state.

Schools in the country were closed because of COVID-19 outbreak.

The group made up of Imo indigenes in Anambra made the call at the end of its emergency meeting in Awka yesterday.

In a statement by its Chairman, Francis Onyeukwu, and Secretary, Okechukwu Maduforo, the group said the Imo State Government should emulate other states and reopen schools.

“It is worrisome that while most states have reopened schools for non-examination classes Imo has not made a statement to that effect, the statement said.”

The group commended Uzodimma for completing abandoned road projects in Owerri.