40 years of impact: Oko Poly Alumni set to celebrate institution’s distinguished stars

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association is set to mark its 40th anniversary in September 2026 with a celebration that will bring together prominent products of the institution and honour alumni who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavour.

The anniversary, built around the theme “Oko to the World: Building Stars, Celebrating Excellence, Leadership and National Development,” is expected to provide an opportunity for members of the alumni community to reflect on four decades of shared history, achievements and contributions to society.

In a release signed by Chidi Jean Ikechukwu, National Publicity Secretary, Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association made available to Nation Update said major highlight of the celebration will be the recognition of 40 distinguished alumni as “Stars of the Institution” for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to their professions, communities and the development of Nigeria.

The awardees are being recognised as representatives of a tradition of commitment, perseverance and excellence which the alumni association says has continued to define products of the institution since its establishment.

The celebration is also expected to serve as a retrospective on the journey of the institution and its alumni—from its evolution as a centre of technical and vocational education to the growing influence of its graduates across business, politics, public administration, media, industry and other sectors of the economy.

Among prominent alumni expected to grace the occasion are the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Chief Tayo Ayeni; Chief of Staff to the Anambra State Governor, Hon. Ben Obi; and General Manager of Channels Television, Kingsley Uranta.

The gathering is also expected to attract serving and former members of the National Assembly, senior public officials, business leaders, media personalities, entrepreneurs and other distinguished professionals who passed through the institution.

For the alumni association, the anniversary is more than a celebration of longevity. It is an opportunity to reconnect generations of former students, celebrate those who have distinguished themselves and inspire younger alumni to appreciate the responsibility that comes with being products of the institution.

The theme, “Oko to the World,” captures the association’s ambition of showcasing the global relevance of the institution’s graduates while reinforcing the role of education, leadership and professional excellence in national development.

The recognition of the 40 “Stars” is expected to be one of the emotional high points of the celebration, as the association honours alumni whose achievements have brought distinction to the institution and demonstrated the value of the education and experiences acquired at Oko.

The anniversary programme is scheduled for September 2026 in Awka, Anambra State, although the exact date and venue are expected to be announced by the organisers.

The association has invited alumni, friends of the institution, stakeholders and members of the public to participate in the celebration, which is expected to provide an avenue for networking, reminiscence, recognition and renewed commitment to the development of the institution and its alumni.

According to the organisers, entry to the event is free, while individuals and organisations interested in participation, support or sponsorship may contact the association for further details.