Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku
Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku is one of the three polytechnics in Delta State, Nigeria. It is located in Ogwashi-Uku and offers National Diplomas (ND) and Higher National Diplomas (HND) in the following fields:
Academic Programs
Art and Design
- Fashion Design and Clothing Technology
- General Art
Business
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing
- Mass Communication
- Office Technology Management
- Production Operations Management
Engineering
- Agricultural and Bio-environmental Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Electronics Engineering
- Foundry Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Maintenance Engineering
- Welding and Fabrication
Applied Sciences
- Computer Science
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
History
Delta State Polytechnic was established by the Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku Law, 2002. It was officially inaugurated on Thursday, January 23, 2003 by Governor James Onanefe Ibori.
Early Agitations and Closure
Previously, an earlier polytechnic at Ogwashi-Uku was closed in 1986 by Military Administrator Lt. Colonel Jerry Useni, four years after its establishment. This closure was widely seen as unfair, especially as the Edo State University (now Ambrose Alli University) continued to operate.
Prominent advocates for the polytechnic's reopening included: - Michael Okonjo – then Chairman, House Committee on Education - Isaac Okonjo – Secretary to the Bendel State Government - Chukwuka Benjamin Okonjo – Obi of Ogwashi-Uku - Chief Oba Ilechie, Pascal Nwaorah, late Kisito Ilechie, and others
With the return to democracy, the struggle was renewed. To ensure equity, Delta State Polytechnic Oghara and Delta State Polytechnic Ozoro were also established.
Establishment
The polytechnic began academic activities in 2003 with about 200 students in three departments: - Accountancy - Mechanical Engineering - Fashion & Clothing Technology
Initial operations were at Delta Preparatory Primary School along Isah Road. Later moves included: - 2004: Campus B along Ogwashi-Uku/Azagba Road - 2005: Polytechnic Rectory to the Polytechnic Guest House at Kwale Junction - Main Campus: Land donated by the host community, hosting Mechanical Engineering - 2007: Full relocation of the Rectory, Registry, and other departments
Rectors
Substantive Rectors
- Dr. J.E.O. Ovri: Nov 2002 – Nov 2006
- Prof. A.O. Egwunyenga: Aug 2007 – Aug 2011
- Dr. (Mrs.) E.N. Mogekwu: Mar 2012 – Feb 2017
- Prof. (Mrs.) Stella Chiemeke: Mar 2017 – Apr 2021
- Prof. Emmanuel Achuenu: Jul 2021 – Present
Acting Rectors
- Mr. J.U. Akajagbor: Nov 2006 – Aug 2007
- Mr. S.E. Oseafiana: Aug 2011 – Mar 2012
- Mr. Edafe John Atajeromavwo: 2016
Rector Profiles
Prof. J.E.O. Ovri (2003–2007)
- Led the institution from temporary facilities to permanent sites (Campus B, Campus C)
- Rehabilitated abandoned structures, constructed new buildings
- Expanded NBTE-approved programs from 3 to 6
- Oversaw JAMB listing of programs
- Initiated Welding & Fabrication and Hospitality Management
Mr. J.U. Akajagbor (Acting)
- Continued relocation efforts
- Accredited new programs: Mass Communication and Fine Art
Prof. Andy Egwunyenga (2007–2011)
- Conducted staff training
- Secured HND accreditations
- Introduced School of Part-Time Studies
- Built perimeter fencing and main gate
- Upgraded HTM, Welding departments, and school library
- Constructed a Lecture Hall Complex
- Initiated Student Entrepreneurial Development Centre
Dr. (Mrs.) Edna Mogekwu
- Native of Ogwashi-Uku
- Studied in Ibadan and Boston University
- Lectured at Kaduna Polytechnic; developed HND curricula
- Dean and Academic Director (16 departments, 25,000 students)
- PhD in Management (University of Nigeria, 2008)
- Fellow/member of numerous professional bodies
Prof. Stella Chiemeke
- BSc & MSc in Computer Science (University of Lagos)
- PhD in Computer Science (Federal University of Technology, Akure)
Prof. Emmanuel Achuenu
- BSc & MSc in Building and Construction Management (University of Jos)
- PhD in Construction Management (University of Jos)
Motto
Creativity for Development
References
* Delta State Government Education Portal
* Delta State Polytechnic Records
* Notable Nigerian Biographies
```