One Hundred OOPOLY Distinction Graduates Receive ₦1 Million Empowerment Grant Each

One hundred graduates of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, who graduated with distinction in their respective programmes have received ₦1 million each under the Abia State Government's Graduate Empowerment Grant Scheme.

The beneficiaries are the second batch of outstanding graduates from the institution to benefit from the initiative since the appointment of the Rector, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu.

The grant scheme was announced by Governor Alex Otti during the institution's convocation ceremony held on December 5, 2025. According to the governor, the entrepreneurship grant, introduced across tertiary institutions in Abia State, is designed to provide exceptional graduates with financial support to establish businesses, create employment and contribute to the state's economic development.

"Our aim is to ultimately create a system that empowers the young people in the State to be part of our development journey, supporting project execution in road infrastructure, housing, electricity, public water supply and more.

"The days of letting our best and brightest brains wander off after graduation and begin to struggle in far off corners of the world without support are gone.

"The message to students in all our tertiary institutions is clear: do your best and we shall offer you further material leverage to find genuine success right here in Abia," Governor Otti said.

Before the disbursement of the grants, Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, in collaboration with the Abia State Government, organised a one day entrepreneurship and business start up workshop under the Dr. Alex Chioma Otti Graduate Empowerment Grant Scheme at the institution's ICT Auditorium.

Addressing participants, the Rector, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu, said the workshop was intended to equip beneficiaries with entrepreneurship and business development skills to ensure the responsible use of the grant.

He urged the graduates to invest the funds in businesses capable of creating value and generating sustainable income.

The Rector also commended Governor Otti for introducing the initiative, describing him as "a Think, Talk and Do Governor, an intentional leader indeed."

The workshop was attended by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Eme Uche Eme, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry and other senior government officials.

During the training, the Vice Chairman of the Abia State Technological Skills Acquisition Centre and Co Founder of Jefapris Resources Nigeria, Engr. Cletus Ekpo, delivered a lecture on vocational skills and entrepreneurship. Barr. Vitalis Anopue also addressed participants on the legal requirements for establishing a business, including registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

In her remarks, Prof. Eme encouraged the beneficiaries to utilise the grant for productive ventures.

"It's not for hair or for pride; it's for innovation and the creation of things that will take you beyond here. If you do well after the next six months, the state government will support you the more."

She also commended the Rector for his efforts in repositioning the institution and reaffirmed the ministry's support as Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic progresses with its planned relocation to the Osisioma Campus.

At the end of the workshop, the beneficiaries received their ₦1 million grants, completing the disbursement of the Abia State Government's entrepreneurship support for the outstanding graduates.