There were tears of joy yesterday as the Federal Polytechnic Orogun (FPO), Delta State, formally presented employment letters to successful applicants among the Niger Delta Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Presenting the letters on Friday, while hosting members of PWDs in his office, the rector of FPO, Prof Duke Okoro, said it was a landmark step toward inclusiveness, fairness and social justice.
He said 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 the 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.”
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 PWDs, 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 in an emotion-laden voice.
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 Christine 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.
To commemorate the event, the Polytechnic Management presented bags of rice to the visitors as a gesture of goodwill.
The symbolic event was attended by other top officials of the Polytechnic, the Registrar, Mrs Christine Aluyi; the Bursar, Mrs Edwin Pamela and the librarian, Prof Edwin Achugbue, among others.
