The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Abia State Chapter, has singled out the payment of 34 months’ salary arrears, expansion in academic and administrative structures, staff welfare measures and the transition to the permanent site as some of the major developments recorded at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, under the administration of the Rector, Engr. Dr Christopher Okoro Kalu.
The professional body made its position known on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when its Abia State Chapter paid a courtesy visit to the Polytechnic and presented an appraisal of developments in the institution.
The delegation, led by the Chapter Chairman, TPI Anyanwu Ignatius Uzoma, was received at the Council Chamber by the Deputy Rector, Administration, Dr Chizaram Ogbuji, on behalf of the Rector.
At the centre of the Institute’s address was the administration’s handling of staff welfare, with the NITP acknowledging the payment of 34 months’ salary arrears, regular monthly salary payments, settlement of promotion arrears and approval of the 2024 salary structure.
The Chapter also listed the introduction of more than 10 new departments and directorates, renovation and refurbishment of blocks and offices, improvement of the Polytechnic’s physical environment and the transition of the institution from its present location to the permanent site.
The professional body further referenced measures for academic and administrative personnel, including 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 regular TETFund assistance.
The Chairman noted that the Polytechnic’s relationship with the planning profession had received a fresh expression through the appointment of TPI Dr. Veronica Okoye, FNITP, as Dean of the School of Environmental Design Technology.
The Institute expressed appreciation for the appointment, noting the confidence placed in Dr Okoye’s professional competence and leadership capacity.
Uzoma also situated the visit within the changing history of the Polytechnic, noting that Dr Okoro holds the distinction of being the first Rector of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic and the last Rector of the former Abia State Polytechnic.
He added that the NITP’s visit was the first official visit by the Abia State Chapter to the Rector in the new era of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic.
“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 and a demonstration of the strong relationship between the Polytechnic and the planning profession.”
Beyond its commendation, the Institute placed a proposal before the Polytechnic, appealing for the introduction of Environmental Consciousness and Management (URP 120) as a general course for students.
According to the Chapter, the proposed course would promote environmental awareness, sustainable development, responsible citizenship and environmentally responsible behaviour among students.
Responding to the presentation, Dr. Ogbuji said the recognition from the professional body was an acknowledgment of developments that had directly affected the Polytechnic community, particularly in the area of staff welfare.
He offered a personal account of the administration’s handling of the outstanding salary obligations, saying:
“Rector made us to forget our bad days. Rector wasn’t earning while fighting to see our outstanding arrears were paid.”
The Deputy Rector appreciated the NITP for taking time to document and acknowledge the developments in the Polytechnic, while assuring the Institute of continued cooperation and a sustained relationship between the institution and the town planning profession.
