In March 2024, Engr Dr Okoro Christopher Kalu was appointed Rector at what was then Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, by Governor Alex Otti, inheriting an institution battered by years of neglect, unpaid salaries, and declining morale. Just under a year from then, on March 21, 2025, the institution – now called Dr Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic – stands as a trophy of his bold ambitions and passionate drive.
With a PhD in Control of Drives from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, and a background as a senior lecturer, Dr Okoro brought a blend of academic rigour and practical leadership to the table. His first year has been a whirlwind of reforms, recognition, and resilience, earning him accolades and setting a new course for the institution.
A Bold Start: Laying The Foundation
Dr Okoro’s tenure began with a promise made at the polytechnic’s 30th matriculation ceremony in April 2024 – to transform it into a world-class institution. It was a lofty goal for a school that had lost its accreditation in 2022 due to unpaid staff salaries spanning over 30 months and had seen admission plummet. Yet, his early actions signalled intent.
Within weeks of his appointment, he tackled a persistent pain point—electricity blackouts—by meeting with Prof. Barth Nnaji, CEO of Aba Power Limited, on April 4, 2024. Accompanied by key staff, Dr Okoro secured assurances of improved power supply, a small but symbolic win that hinted at his problem-solving approach.
That same month, tragedy struck when a student, Ezekiel Mary Ogechi, was killed in an auto accident near the campus. Dr Okoro’s response was swift and empathetic. The Abia State Government stepped in, renovating the pedestrian bridge constructed by former Governor T A. Orji and was abandoned ever since. The bridge where students attempt quick crossings was newly blocked off to stop them from leaving from outside the pedestrian bridge. These measures have since eliminated accidents at the site, a tangible legacy of Ogechi’s loss and Dr Okoro’s push for student safety.
Academic Milestones And Institutional Renewal
By December 2024, Dr. Okoro oversaw a historic convocation, graduating 6,621 students—the 19th to 21st combined ceremony—marking a return to academic normalcy. The event, graced by Governor Otti, saw the commissioning of a revamped main gate, a renovated Rector’s Lodge (abandoned for 14 years), and upgraded facilities like a modern sports arena and science block.
These projects show Dr Okoro’s role in aligning institutional needs with governmental support. His administration also benefited from Otti’s N150m grant to 150 top graduates, a move Dr Okoro championed as a step toward empowering youth entrepreneurship.
Under his watch, the polytechnic’s academic standard gained momentum. With Dr Okoro spearheading some staff training programs and currently working through a curriculum review, the school is now set to send out graduates ready for this competitive world. His technical expertise as an electrical engineer likely informs this focus on practical, innovation-driven education—a nod to his promise of “world-class” standards.
Staff Welfare And Stability
One of Dr Okoro’s greatest achievements has been stabilising the workforce in the school. When he took office, staff were owed 32 months of salary arrears, money owed by previous governments and building restlessness among the staff. By March 2025, payments were well underway and even workers who lost their jobs in 2019 were able to get their payments now.
He has gotten this financial lifeline from Governor Otti’s administration which helped rebuild people’s trust and diminished industrial protests and strikes, allowing Dr Okoro to focus on long-term goals rather than just putting out fires and crises.
Recognition And Rising Profile
Dr. Okoro’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed. On February 26th of the year 2025, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture in Umudike bestowed an award of Innovative Leadership in Higher Education to him. This award, earned within 11 months, underscores his rapid impact and growing influence beyond Aba.
The Road Ahead
Dr Okoro’s scorecard after one year is a blend of tangible wins and ongoing battles. He has taken a struggling institution and turned it into a place of bright hope and energetic renewal – one with renewed hope – leveraging state support to rebuild trust, infrastructure, and academic pride. His empathetic leadership shines through in moments of crisis, while his award-winning vision hints at a broader ambition.
