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Raymond Ozoji, Awka
Acting Registrar of the Federal Polytechnic Oko Anambra state, Mr. Obini Onuchukwu, has said that the role of public relations in redefining the institution can not be over-emphasized because strategic communication played very pivotal role in managing and sustaining reputation of the polytechnic to its enviable status.
Onuchukwu who stated this at the weekend in Awka shortly after receiving an award from the Anambra state chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, noted that relationship and reputation management in the life of any organisation was critical because the public image of such institution was key to its success.
The acting Registrar who was the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Polytechnic Oko for 10 years, explained that strategic communication was the magic that sustained the bond between the internal and external publics of the Federal Polytechnic Oko.
He therefore recalled that in 2012 when over 15,000 students of the institution rose up in conflict against the polytechnic, it was his public relations strategy that was able to calm the frayed nerves of the already frenzied youths waiting to explode like a time bomb.
He said the manner of approach to a problem situation was critical because whatever decision taken at such point could make or mar the entire process of trying to proffer lasting solution or correct negative impressions and stereotypes.
Onuchukwu who is a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Anambra state council and also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Anambra state chapter, maintained that the relationship between the Federal Polytechnic Oko and its external publics have continued to grow from strength to strength even as he recalled that the image of the institution was almost at a zero level when he became the PRO in 2010.
Onuchukwu was however of the opinion that the school became the cynosure of prospective students as it recorded about 25,000 candidates indicating interest to study in the Polytechnic in 2012 and 2013 respectively and that currently over 62 programmes of the institution are in very good condition.
He also disclosed that the Federal Polytechnic Oko would introduce a new course of study called Chemical Engineering courtesy of the new Rector who is a chemical engineer by discipline, adding that multi-million naira structures were being raised for the incoming department.
The Ag. Registrar however believes that the image of the Federal Polytechnic Oko is soaring higher each passing day and that the award bestowed on him by the NIPR would spur him to greater exploits as he clearly stated that there is no shortcut to success.
