In a landmark step toward inclusiveness, fairness, and 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, where he formally presented employment letters to successful applicants among them.
The symbolic event, held at the Rector’s Office, was attended by top officials of the Polytechnic — the Registrar, Mrs. Christine Aluyi; the Bursar, Mrs. Edwin Pamela; and the Polytechnic Librarian, Prof. Edwin Achugbue. The gathering reflected the institution’s progressive stance on inclusion, empathy, and human capital development, in line with the directives of the Federal Government.
Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Okoro reaffirmed that one of the Polytechnic’s core values is anchored on equity, fairness, and social responsibility, noting that the employment move was in strict compliance with the Federal Ministry of Education’s waiver mandating tertiary institutions to reserve a percentage of jobs 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.
He further stressed that the Polytechnic sees diversity as a source of strength, adding that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of a just, inclusive, and equitable Nigeria.
Prof. Okoro also assured the Association of ongoing partnership:
“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 commemorate the event, the Polytechnic Management presented bags of rice to the visitors as a gesture of goodwill. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and celebration as the newly employed PWDs expressed gratitude for the chance to serve and contribute to national growth.
Delta State Coordinator of the Association, Mr. Ernest Igbuzor, praised the Rector’s gesture as a rare act of leadership with a human 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,” he said emotionally.
The Niger Delta Regional Coordinator, Mr. Isaac Obruche, also expressed overwhelming joy and admiration for the Polytechnic’s inclusive policy. In a moment of elation, he led his members 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 over 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 PWD community.
The event ended in celebration and renewed optimism, as the guests departed with gratitude, acknowledging that Federal Polytechnic Orogun has set a new national benchmark in inclusive education and employment practices.
This milestone reinforces the institution’s reputation as a model of inclusive governance, equity, and social justice in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
