Enugu State Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah recently hosted the Governing Council and management of Federal Polytechnic, Ohodo, Igbo-Etiti Local Council, and pledged his government's support for the institution's infrastructure development.
He promised to build the seven-kilometre road connecting the polytechnic to the Otukpo-Obollo-Afor-9th Mile-Enugu Road, assuring that his administration would help the institution become a centre of excellence in technology, engineering, and skills training.
Members of the Governing Council and Management, led by the Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Dangana Ocheja, recently paid their first visit to the governor since the institution's inception to brief him on its progress and challenges.
In response to Senator Ocheja's requests, the governor directed the State Commissioner for Education, Prof Ndubueze Mbah, to consult with polytechnic authorities to identify critical areas of need in the institution for which the state government could provide support.
He also promised to resolve the persistent issue of unpaid compensation to landowners who donated hectares of land for the institution's permanent site.
The governor added that under the administration's Smart Green School Initiative, which is anticipated to produce at least 260,000 technically inclined students annually, the institution will be a highly valuable partnership for the realisation of the government's science, technical, and vocational capacity development of the youth.
While congratulating the polytechnic for its giant strides within its short period of existence, it was noted that the state government has a robust scholarship scheme that will encourage youth in their academic endeavours.
Senator Ocheja's presentation highlighted the institution's achievements in its first five years of operation, particularly the start of academic programmes, accreditation of some courses by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and subsequent admission of students across four schools.
"Our polytechnic was designed to bridge the skills gap, increase access to quality technical education, and empower our youth to be independent contributors to national and state development," he stated.
The Council Chairman praised the modern science, technical, and vocational schools built by the Mbah administration in each of the state's 260 wards as legacy projects capable of transforming the state into a centre of scientific and technological growth.
According to him, these transformative efforts align with the Federal Polytechnic Ohodo's core mandate to provide young Nigerians with practical, industry-related skills that drive job creation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth.
The chairman stated that 105 hectares of land had been secured as the institution's permanent site but that no compensation had been paid to the landowners. He noted that the host community had approached the polytechnic's management with their concerns and urged the governor to use his good office to resolve the matter and ensure adequate compensation for these landowners.
Aside from council members, top management staff from the polytechnic, including Rector Dr Emmanuel Agada, were present during the visit.
