Federal Poly Nekede Rector Basilia Igbokwe Inaugurated as WITED Co-Head
Federal Polytechnic Nekede recently hosted the Women in Technical Education and Development (WITED) for its opening ceremony on Wednesday, 26th March 2025. The event marked the WITED National Coordinating Committee (NCC) meeting and served as an appreciation gathering for the 9th substantive Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Mrs. Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe.
The occasion drew a distinguished audience, including the Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Dist. Sen. Hope Uzodimma, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Mrs. Chinyere Ekomaru. Also in attendance was Her Excellency, the First Lady of Imo State, Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma, represented by the Imo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lady Nkechi Ugwu.
Other notable attendees included, Hon. Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh, Chairman of the Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, represented by Hon. (Mrs.) Favour Nkem Asogwa, Prof. Celestine U. Njoku, Vice Chancellor of Gregory University and former Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, represented by Dr. (Mrs.) Raymonda Ngozi Obioha, Hon. Mrs. Chika Ibekwe, Chairman of Ngor Okpala LGA, and Princess Regina Elechi-Amadi, Ph.D, National/Chapter Coordinator of WITED Nigeria
Prof. Ken Opara was Chairman of the occasion.
Also, traditional rulers that graced the occasion were HRH Eze Morrison Soronnadi James Eke PhD, Omadike 1, Umuoma Autonomous Community, Nekede and HRH Elder Eze Dr Stephen Kemjika Agumanu IV,
Ede 11, Ishiobi of Ushi na Aboshi,
Nekede Autonomous Community.
Members of the Polytechnic’s Management, National Coordinators of WITED, Staff and Students were present at the event.
Prof. Ken Opara delivered the opening remarks, expressing deep appreciation for the attendees. He emphasized the importance of female empowerment and the need to eliminate barriers such as biases, limited mentorship, and inadequate opportunities. He advocated for greater mentorship of young professionals, increased innovation, gender equality in education, and stronger networking among women in technical education.
Princess Regina Amadi, the National/Chapter Coordinator, warmly welcomed participants and reiterated WITED’s mission of promoting women’s involvement in technology. She outlined the main objective of the event—to appreciate the Governor for his role in the appointment of Dr. Mrs. Basilia Igbokwe as the 9th substantive Rector of the Polytechnic. She noted that the Rector, previously WITED’s National Secretary, had now assumed the position of Co-Head WITED Chairperson.
In her keynote address, Dr. Mrs. Basilia Igbokwe outlined WITED’s objectives and the challenges women face in achieving them. As Rector, she has championed women’s inclusivity and acknowledged obstacles such as negative stereotypes, limited educational opportunities, and restricted financial support. She called for unity among women in advocating for equal pay, access to quality healthcare, and protection against gender-based violence. She also expressed gratitude for WITED’s support and pledged to use her office to further the association’s ideals.
Representing the First Lady, Lady Nkechi Ugwu praised WITED’s mission, noting that she wished the organization had existed during her formative years. She urged WITED not only to break but to dismantle the glass ceiling and pledged her unwavering support for its initiatives. The First Lady also made a substantial donation to the association.
The Deputy Governor, representing the Governor, officially declared the event open. She acknowledged the visit by WITED members to her office and underscored the importance of women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated technical fields. She highlighted the Imo State Government’s commitment to technical education, citing the establishment of the Ministry of Tertiary and Technical Education and the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Governance, which have trained over 40,000 Imo youths, including women, in digital and technical skills. She commended the organizers, particularly Dr. Mrs. Basilia Igbokwe, and encouraged visitors to explore the state’s recreational and scenic attractions.
The high point of the event was the official decoration of the Rector, Dr. Mrs. Basilia Igbokwe, as the Co-Head Chairperson of WITED. Additionally, awards were presented to the First Lady and the Governor of Imo State in recognition of their contribution to the association’s cause.