By Nkiru Anakor
Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State, has recorded another milestone in student leadership with the successful conduct of a peaceful and transparent online Students’ Union Government (SUG) election, which saw Giant Comrade Egbobe Chinonso Christian emerge as the new SUG President.
The election, held on Aug 5, was conducted through an online voting platform that enabled students to cast their ballots electronically.
The process was monitored by independent student bodies, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Anambra State Chapter, and the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS).
The Chairman of NANS JCC, Anambra State Chapter, Comrade Ifeanyichukwu Chukwuemeke Chukwuemerie, who monitored the exercise, commended the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, for adopting the online voting system.
Chukwuemerie described the exercise as one of the most peaceful and credible student elections he had monitored in a Nigerian tertiary institution, noting that the use of technology helped reduce some of the challenges traditionally associated with campus elections.
Also speaking, the Vice President-elect of NAPS, Comrade Umuzurola Chukwuebuka, praised the orderly conduct of the election, commending the polytechnic management for providing an environment that supported a transparent electoral process.
He acknowledged the contributions of the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Comrade Chibuzo Asomugha, towards the smooth conduct of the election.
The outgoing SUG President, Giant Comrade Anuluonye Ifechukwu Joseph, and outgoing Vice President, Comrade Nweke Kosarachukwu MaryJane, expressed appreciation to the polytechnic management for its support throughout their tenure.
They described Dr. Awuzie as the “Mother of the Polytechnic,” citing her administration’s attention to students’ welfare, urging the incoming executives to sustain a cordial relationship with management while prioritising the interests of the student body.
The newly elected SUG President, Giant Comrade Egbobe Chinonso Christian, of the Department of Mass Communication, and the Vice President-elect, Comrade Eze Bibian Chinenye, thanked students for entrusting them with the leadership of the union.
They commended the management for providing a level playing field for contestants, pledging to work constructively with the institution’s authorities.
The new executives promised to promote unity, improve students’ welfare and support initiatives that would contribute to the academic and social development of the polytechnic.
The presidential contest was closely fought, with Egbobe emerging winner by a margin of two votes over his closest challenger, underscoring the competitiveness of the election.
The successful exercise has demonstrated the potential of technology to support transparent and accessible student governance while providing students with a platform to participate actively in leadership selection.
Nkiru Anakor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
