Methodist Church of Nigeria Honours Dr. Awuzie, Rector, FedPoly Oko with Transformational Impact Leadership Award
By Felix Oti Awka
The rising profile of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, on the national stage has received yet another significant boost as the Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, was honoured with the Transformational Impact Leadership Award by the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Awka Diocese, in recognition of her exemplary leadership and remarkable contributions to education and youth development.
The award was presented on Sunday, July 12, 2026, during a special thanksgiving service presided over by the Diocesan Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Onyekachi Nwakamma, who officiated alongside other clergy of the Diocese.
Presenting the award alongside the Diocesan Lay President, Elder Oti Gaius Oti, Bishop Nwakamma stated that the honour was in recognition of Dr. Awuzie’s transformational leadership in the education sector and her unwavering commitment to partnering with the Church in nurturing and positively influencing young people.
The Rector’s citation was read by Very Rev. Paul Ede, a lecturer of the Department of Social Sciences, School of General Studies, Federal Polytechnic, Oko. The citation highlighted Dr. Awuzie’s distinguished career, visionary leadership, remarkable strides in institutional development, commitment to academic excellence, and invaluable contributions to youth development and nation-building, drawing warm applause from the congregation.
The Bishop, who was accompanied by his wife, Lady Ezinne Lydia Nwakamma, Very Rev. Victor Ogbonna, Very Rev. Paul Ede, and other clergy, described the award as a token of appreciation, love, and prayers for the Rector, her family, and the Management of the Polytechnic.
Commending the Rector’s outstanding achievements within a relatively short period in office, Bishop Nwakamma attributed the institution’s impressive progress to the harmonious working relationship fostered among Management, staff, students, and the various unions in the Polytechnic.
According to the Bishop, “The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, is a partner in soul-winning. She labours among young people to raise seeds of greatness because any fruit without a seed cannot reproduce itself. God is using her to mould lives and inspire future generations.
“She has demonstrated Christ-like leadership, championed institutional development, and shown genuine love and respect to all Christian denominations within the Polytechnic community. She has proven that it is possible to serve the public with diligence while remaining committed to the service of God and humanity.”
Responding to the honour, Dr. Awuzie, who was accompanied by her husband, Chief Fidelis Awuzie, expressed profound appreciation to the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Awka Diocese, for finding her worthy of the prestigious recognition.
She remarked that the award was particularly meaningful because it reflected the unity of the Christian faith beyond denominational boundaries.
“I am deeply overwhelmed by this honour because we are one body in Christ irrespective of our denominations. I sincerely thank the Church for recognising my modest contributions to education and society. This award will further inspire me to do more,” she said.
The Rector reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to providing purposeful leadership, delivering more developmental projects, and sustaining the momentum of progress at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko. She pledged not to disappoint the confidence reposed in her by the Church, the Polytechnic community, and other critical stakeholders.
The recognition further underscores Dr. Awuzie’s growing reputation as an exceptional administrator whose visionary leadership continues to attract commendation from religious bodies, professional organisations, and the wider society.
