General News
Auchi Poly Alumni President Pledges ₦500,000 Scholarship for Indigent Students
The newly elected President-General of the Auchi Polytechnic Alumni Association (APAA), Comrade Sanni Onogu, has pledged ₦500,000 as a scholarship grant for 10 indigent students of the institution as part of efforts to promote access to education and support academic excellence.
Onogu announced the scholarship initiative while delivering his acceptance speech at the association’s 18th Biennial Convention and Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Auchi, Edo State, on October 24, 2026.
He said his administration would prioritise unity among alumni, members’ welfare and professional networking, as well as sustained contributions to the development of their alma mater.
The scholarship pledge, he explained, would strengthen the association’s corporate social responsibility efforts and provide support for students facing financial difficulties.
Onogu said a committee would be established to develop the modalities for the award after consultations with the Board of Trustees (BoT), the National Executive Committee and other relevant stakeholders.
The initiative is part of a broader agenda by the new APAA leadership to mobilise alumni resources and expertise to improve students’ welfare and support the institution’s academic and infrastructural development.
Scholarship to Support Brilliant, Indigent Students
Explaining the importance of giving back to the institution, Onogu said Auchi Polytechnic had equipped its graduates with knowledge, technical skills and values that had helped them build careers and contribute to society.
He said the time had come for alumni to reciprocate by investing in the institution and supporting students who might otherwise struggle to complete their education.
“This institution did not just give us certificates; it gave us character. It gave us skills that feed our families. It gave us friends who became brothers and sisters. It gave us a name that opens doors. Today, it is time for us to give back,” he said.
The APAA president said the association would work with the institution’s management to identify projects requiring alumni intervention, including hostel renovation, laboratory equipment and scholarships for disadvantaged students.
He called on members across Nigeria and the diaspora to contribute their resources, professional expertise and networks to the development of the polytechnic.
“We cannot be proud alumni of a struggling institution. We will partner with the Rector and Management not to complain, but to contribute,” he said.
The proposed scholarship scheme is expected to form part of the association’s wider effort to support students and strengthen its relationship with the institution.
Three-Pillar Agenda for Alumni Development
Onogu identified unity, members’ welfare and support for the alma mater as the three pillars of his administration.
On unity, he called for an end to divisions based on graduation year, academic department and other differences, insisting that all graduates shared a common identity as products of Auchi Polytechnic.
He pledged to build an inclusive association that would accommodate National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) holders, older and younger graduates, as well as members living in Nigeria and abroad.
“For too long, we have allowed set, department, and graduation year to divide us. The labour market does not ask what year you graduated. The world knows only one identity: Auchi Polytechnic,” he said.
He added that his administration would encourage greater participation by alumni chapters and ensure that members had opportunities to contribute to the association’s decisions and programmes.
According to him, unity would enable the association to mobilise its collective resources more effectively and increase its capacity to support the institution and its graduates.
Plans Job Hub, Emergency Welfare Scheme
On members’ welfare, Onogu promised to establish a functional database of alumni and develop a platform through which members could access job vacancies, business opportunities and professional connections.
He also announced plans for an emergency welfare scheme to assist members experiencing hardship and a mentorship programme through which established professionals would guide younger graduates.
He said an alumni association should provide practical support to its members rather than serve merely as a platform for reunions and social engagements.
“An alumni association that cannot help its members has lost its purpose,” he said.
The proposed job and business opportunity hub is intended to strengthen professional networking among graduates, while the mentorship programme would enable experienced alumni to share industry knowledge, career guidance and entrepreneurial experience with younger members.
Onogu expressed confidence that a stronger alumni network would help graduates navigate employment challenges and identify opportunities for career advancement and business development.
“No Auchi Polytechnic graduate should suffer alone when thousands of us can stand together,” he said.
Promises Transparency, Accountability
The new president-general also pledged to run an open and accountable administration, promising that the association’s finances and decision-making processes would be transparent.
He said his executive would consult widely before taking major decisions and encourage members to contribute ideas towards the association’s development.
“My promise to you is simple: I will lead with transparency, accountability, and an open-door policy. This Executive will not operate as a covert body. Our finances will be open, our decisions will be consultative, and our doors will be open to every idea that moves us forward,” he said.
Onogu acknowledged the scale of the responsibilities ahead but expressed confidence in the support of the executive team, the Board of Trustees, chapter leaders and other members of the association.
He also thanked alumni who voted for him and those who contested the election, describing them as partners whose ideas and experience would be valuable to the new administration.
He said the election should serve as an opportunity to strengthen the association rather than deepen divisions among members.
“This victory belongs to every Auchi Polytechnic graduate, from Benin to London, from Lagos to Canada,” he said.
New Executive Takes Office
Onogu emerged as President-General during the association’s 18th Biennial Convention and AGM and was sworn in alongside other members of the National Executive Officers (NEO) for a two-year tenure.
Other officers elected and sworn in include Peter Okoeguale, First Vice President-General; Alli Raheem Sengy, Second Vice President-General; Osa Nosa-Ordia, Secretary-General; Florence Akpoedafe, Treasurer; and Evaristus Monye, Financial Secretary.
Others are Charles Ahonsi, Council Representative; Daniel Tunde Igiezemeh, Welfare Secretary; Victoria Titilope Evbotokhai, Public Relations Officer; Perpetual Azigere, Legal Officer; Ernest Eboigbe, Assistant Secretary-General; and Evelyn Nwoko, Assistant Welfare Secretary.
The executive also includes Godwin Ehis Okonigene, Eribo Victor, Felix Ikekua, Orahemo Evawere and AbelKay Omolu as Ex-Officio members.
Ikharo Ahmed was elected Endowment Officer, while Azizi Achekuogene will serve as the Board of Trustees Liaison Officer.
The new leadership is expected to work with the association’s trustees, alumni chapters and the management of Auchi Polytechnic to implement its programmes during the two-year tenure.