By Success Okuchemiya
In a remarkable demonstration of compassion, inclusiveness, and commitment to social justice, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Orogun, Delta State, Prof. Duke Okoro, on Thursday, October 2, 2025, hosted members of the Niger Delta Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in his office, during which he formally presented employment letters to successful applicants among them.
The symbolic event, held at the Rector’s Office, was graced by principal officers of the institution – the Registrar, Mrs. Christine Aluyi; the Bursar, Mrs. Edwin Pamela; and the Polytechnic Librarian, Prof. Edwin Achugbue. The gathering reflected the Polytechnic’s progressive stance on inclusion, empathy, and human capital development in line with the directives of the Federal Government.
Prof. Okoro, while welcoming the delegation, reaffirmed that one of the Polytechnic’s core institutional values is anchored on equity, fairness, and social responsibility. He noted that the Management’s action was in strict compliance with the Federal Ministry of Education’s waiver mandating public tertiary institutions to reserve a percentage of employment slots for persons with disabilities.
“At Federal Polytechnic Orogun, we believe that inclusiveness strengthens institutions and societies. Disability should never be a barrier to opportunity or productivity. Our goal is to give every capable Nigerian, regardless of condition, a fair chance to contribute meaningfully to national development,” the Rector said.
Prof. Okoro emphasized that the Polytechnic views diversity as a source of strength, adding that the inclusion of PWDs in its workforce aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of a just, inclusive, and equitable Nigeria.
He further assured the Association of continued collaboration, saying, “We will partner with your Association to ensure sustained capacity building, mentorship, and empowerment. This institution will continue to stand as a model of fairness, compassion, and opportunity for all.”
To mark the occasion, the Polytechnic Management presented some bags of rice to the visitors as a gesture of goodwill. The atmosphere was one of warmth and celebration as the newly employed PWDs expressed gratitude for being given the opportunity to serve and contribute to nation-building.
In his remarks, the Delta State Coordinator of the Association, Mr. Ernest Igbuzor, was full of appreciation, describing the Rector’s gesture as “a rare expression of humanity and leadership with a heart.”
“This is historic. Federal Polytechnic Orogun has not only offered us employment but has restored our dignity and sense of belonging. We thank the Rector and his team for their compassion. Other institutions should take a cue from this exemplary leadership,” Igbuzor said emotionally.
On his part, the Niger Delta Regional Coordinator of the Association, Mr. Isaac Obruche, expressed overwhelming joy and admiration for the Polytechnic’s inclusive policy. In a moment of elation, he led members of the Association in a spontaneous song of praise dedicated to the Rector, describing him as a “liberator, a man of his word, and a friend of the physically challenged.”
“When Prof. Okoro promised to employ some of our members, we thought it was the usual rhetoric. But today, that promise has become reality. He is a man of integrity and action. Through him, Federal Polytechnic Orogun has shown that government institutions can be both compassionate and visionary,” Obruche said, before offering heartfelt prayers for the Rector and the institution.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of employment letters, handed by the Registrar, Mrs. Aluyi, to the Rector, who then presented them to the Association’s leader, Mr. Obruche, symbolising the Polytechnic’s fulfilment of its pledge to the community of persons with disabilities.
The ceremony ended on a note of celebration and renewed optimism as the guests departed with smiles and gratitude, acknowledging that Federal Polytechnic Orogun has set a new standard in inclusive education and employment practices in Nigeria.
The event marked a significant milestone in the Polytechnic’s drive toward inclusive governance and social equity, reinforcing its reputation as a model institution with a human face in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
