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LEEX 2026: Ogbonnaya Onu Poly Rector emerges educational administrator of the year

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…Okoro Secures 148,267 Votes in Nationwide Poll as Organisers Cite 36-Month Salary Arrears Clearance, Full Accreditation, AI Programme
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‎The Rector of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu, has emerged the winner of the 2026 Education Administrator of the Year Award at the 8th Leadership Excellence Awards (LEEX 2026).
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‎Okoro was declared winner following a nationwide public voting exercise and final ratification by the LEEX Awards Selection Committee on August 10, 2026, according to an official notification issued by the Local Organising Committee of the awards.
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‎The Rector polled 148,267 votes, with the voting exercise independently monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The final voting statistics for all nominees were made available through the official LEEX voting portal.
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‎In the notification dated August 13, 2026, the organisers said Okoro’s emergence reflected the confidence expressed by the public in his administration of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic and cited several institutional achievements recorded under his leadership.
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‎The organisers specifically referenced the clearance of 36 months of outstanding staff salary arrears, restoration of academic and administrative stability, and the Polytechnic’s attainment of full accreditation for its 33 academic programmes, including digital accreditation, after previous accreditation challenges.
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‎The award committee also cited the institution’s highest student enrolment in over a decade as part of the factors considered in recognising the Rector.
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‎According to the notification, Okoro’s administration has further distinguished the Polytechnic through academic and technological programmes, including the establishment of a Department of Artificial Intelligence, which the organisers described as the first of its kind in a Nigerian polytechnic.
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‎The organisers also highlighted the introduction of online certification for graduates, expansion of technology-focused programmes and increased activity in academic, infrastructural and student-centred services.
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‎The recognition comes amid ongoing infrastructural works and institutional reforms at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, including projects at the Osisioma Campus and efforts to expand the Polytechnic’s technology-driven academic offerings.
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‎Okoro’s emergence as Education Administrator of the Year adds to a series of recognitions received as the Rector of the State Polytechnic.
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‎In 2025, he received the Game Changer Award from Flow 94.9 FM, Umuahia, in recognition of his contributions to the transformation of Abia State, particularly in education, infrastructure and human capital development.
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‎Okoro emerged ahead of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), which was named first runner-up at the award and Ministry Of Works (Public Works) as the second runner-up.
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‎At the LEEX 2026 awards, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) emerged first runner-up, while the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, emerged second runner-up.
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‎The LEEX organisers said Okoro’s emergence followed the conclusion of the nationwide voting exercise and final ratification by the Awards Selection Committee.
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