Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, has inaugurated the newly elected Student Union Government (SUG) executives for the 2026/2027 academic session, following the institution’s electronic election held on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

The election marked the Polytechnic’s third consecutive electronic voting exercise since the assumption of office of the Rector, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu, and the first to be conducted through the institution’s newly developed portal reflecting its current identity.

The electronic voting system allowed students to participate in the election from locations of their choice.

A total of 16 candidates were elected into various positions, with Ezekiel Effiong Etim emerging as SUG President, Lucky Kalu Christian as Deputy President, and Francis Chizoba Mary as Vice President.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Rector commended the Electoral Committee, chaired by the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Chinyere Ezeh, for conducting what he described as a free, fair and orderly election in collaboration with the institution’s ICT Unit.

Engr. Okoro also acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing SUG executives, led by Comrade Ifeanyi Michael, particularly their role in maintaining peace and stability within the Polytechnic during their tenure.

As part of management’s appreciation for their service, the Rector announced that the outgoing executives would receive an additional two months’ allowance.

“Management will pay you extra two months allowance. Thank you for working so hard in serving the Polytechnic,” he said.

The Rector attributed the peaceful atmosphere on campus partly to the cooperation between student leaders and management, urging students and their representatives to resolve disagreements through dialogue rather than confrontation.

Addressing the newly inaugurated executives, Engr. Okoro challenged them to build on the achievements of their predecessors while addressing areas that require improvement.

“You must be looking forward, you must not look backward. Whatever they haven’t done well, try and do them well,” the Rector told the new leaders.

He further encouraged the executives to demonstrate sportsmanship, responsibility and commitment in their dealings, assuring them of management’s support in the discharge of their duties.

The new SUG executives subsequently took their oaths of office, administered by the Head of the Polytechnic’s Legal Unit, Dr. Emeka Iroanya, Esq.

Earlier, Dr. Ezeh praised the management for embracing electronic voting, noting that the system had helped reduce the logistical challenges associated with conventional elections.

She also commended the outgoing SUG leadership for contributing to peace on campus and urged the new executives to remain loyal to the institution, maintain proper conduct and work collectively for the welfare of the student body.

In their valedictory remarks, the outgoing executives expressed appreciation to the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, the Rector, the Dean of Student Affairs and the entire Polytechnic community for their support during their tenure.

The inauguration formally concluded the transition from the outgoing SUG administration to the newly elected leadership for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The Rector also used the occasion to remind members of the Polytechnic community that the institution’s 23rd Convocation is scheduled for December 4, 2026. He disclosed that certificates for graduands would be ready by the last Wednesday of the month, in accordance with the academic planning timetable.