Abuja Honours Excellence: FPNO Rector Crowned Best Rector of the Year 2025 at Prestigious Global Research Awards
The Nigerian National Merit Award Centre, Abuja, became the stage of national celebration on Thursday, November 27, 2025, as Dr. Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe, the visionary Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, was conferred with the prestigious Best Rector of the Year 2025 Award by the International Association of Research Scholars and Administrators (IARSA).
This landmark recognition crowned a two-day Global Researchers’ Award event held from 26th–27th November 2025, attracting scholars, global research leaders, institutional administrators, and major corporate organisations from across Nigeria and beyond.
A Distinction Rooted in Excellence and Transformation
In its approval letter, IARSA praised Dr. Igbokwe as “a preeminent leader of integrity whose contributions to academic excellence, infrastructural development, digital innovation, and student welfare stand as a model to institutions across Africa.”
Her administration’s achievements, ranging from the rising research profile of the Polytechnic to digital transformation, environmental renewal, and student-centred reforms, made her selection both deserving and historic.
The Rector’s Presence in Abuja: Represented with Honour and Prestige
The Rector was ably represented at the Abuja event by her Brand Ambassador and School Orator,
Dr. Anayo Uhiara, who stood on her behalf with the poise, dignity, and eloquence befitting the Office of the Rector.
He was accompanied by a dedicated delegation of distinguished staff: Nwankwo Miriam Okeoma (Assistant Chief Executive Officer), Onwubiko Queen (Assistant Chief Executive Officer) and Susan Ibiam (Principal Executive Officer).
Together, they received the Rector’s plaque, certificate, and emblem of honour, symbolizing Federal Polytechnic Nekede’s rising stature in the academic and research community.
A Ceremony of Giants and Institutions of Repute
The award ceremony also honoured several outstanding personalities and organisations: Julius Berger Plc received high recognition in the corporate category; Federal Polytechnic Ede won the Best Polytechnic Award, adding more prestige to the evening.
The event was a gathering of national achievers, innovation drivers, and educational front-runners.
A Win for FPNO, A Win for Nigeria
Dr. Igbokwe’s recognition as Best Rector of the Year 2025 is a testament to the institutional renaissance currently unfolding at Federal Polytechnic Nekede.
It affirms:
- Her visionary leadership
- Her unrelenting drive for academic quality
- Her commitment to digital transformation
- Her passion for student welfare
- And the emergence of FPNO as a competitive, forward-looking institution in Nigeria’s tertiary education space
This award is not just her win, it is a win for Federal Polytechnic Nekede, for Imo State, and for the Nigerian research community at large.