By Citizen Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha
A Bill for a Law to repeal the Imo State Polytechnic Law No.11 of 2020 has scaled through Second Reading at the Imo State House Of Assembly.
This is the outcome of the House Plenary activity on Thursday 25/09/2025, and is titled "Imo State Polytechnic (Amendment) Law No 11 of 2020 And To Further Amend Imo State Polytechnic (Establishment) Law No.15 of 2012 And other Matters Related thereto".
Leading the debate on the Bill, the Majority Leader and Member Representing Owerri-West State Constituency, Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi, explained that the main focus of the Bill is that the Polytechnic cannot remain in an area that already hosts another Higher Institution.
The Bill seeks to reposition the Imo State Polytechnic in line with fairness and balance. Hon Onyemaechi further explained that the Law, as currently structured, has the Polytechnic situated at Omuma in Oru-East local government area, which is an area that already hosts another Higher Institution. The concentration of the two Institutions of Higher Learning in one Community in one local government area, according to the Majority Leader, has created imbalance in the distribution of Educational Infrastructure.
The Bill, therefore, seeks to address this imbalance by ensuring that Institutions of Higher Learning are evenly spread, for the benefit Imo citizens.
Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi further explained that the Bill recommends relocating the Polytechnic to Awomama in the same Oru-East local government area, to ensure the State Constituency benefits from the Academic and Socioeconomic opportunities associated with hosting a Higher Institution, noting that decongesting Omuma, where it is currently situated, and relocating to Awomama, will go a long way to expand development, thereby promoting inclusiveness.
In addition, the Bill provides for the proper recognition and being renamed in honour of Dr Benjamin Uzoukwu Nzeribe, thereby distinguishing it from other Higher Institutions and for the preservation of the Legacy Of Academic Excellence associated with the Polytechnic.
The following lawmakers supported the Bill through robost debate and contribution:
1. Hon Barrister Chisom Ojukwu (Nkwerre).
2. Hon Clinton Amadi (Owerri Municipal).
3. Rt Honourable Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, Deputy Speaker (Nwangele).
4. Hon Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie (Mbaitoli).
5. Hon Sam Ikechukwu Osuji (Isiala Mbano).
6. Hon Johnleoba Iheoha (Ikeduru).
7. Hon Barrister Emeka Kingsley Ozurumba (Isu).
8. Hon Okey Ernest Udeze (Ideato-North).
9. Hon Dr Henry Agbasonu (Ezinihitte Mbaise).
Following extensive debate in support of the Bill, the Speaker, Rt Honourable Chike Olemgbe, who presided announced it has scaled through Second Reading, and thereafter assigned it to the House Committee On Education, directing them to submit their report on the 30th of September 2025.