By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
Kwale, Delta State — March 18, 2026
Bellarks Polytechnic, Kwale, was the centre of attention on Thursday as the Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, paid a familiarization visit to the institution, an engagement that highlighted both the school’s potential and the urgent need for strategic collaboration.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Felicia Rone-Orugbor, led a delegation of four directors on a comprehensive tour of the polytechnic’s facilities. The team expressed satisfaction with the institution’s infrastructure, technical capacity, and commitment to hands-on education.
Speaking during the visit, the Prof Tonukari commended the management of Bellarks Polytechnic for its resilience and dedication to academic and vocational excellence. He encouraged the institution to maintain close communication with the Delta State Ministry of Higher Education, particularly in identifying areas where government support and partnership could be leveraged.
“The Ministry is open to collaboration. We urge the management to consistently reach out in areas where partnership with the state government can further strengthen your operations and impact,” he stated.
In her welcome address, the Rector of Bellarks Polytechnic, Prof. Uchenna Uzokwe-Igbadi, warmly received the delegation and expressed appreciation for the visit. She used the opportunity to present the institution’s journey, challenges, and aspirations.
Rector, Bellarks Polytechnic, Kwale
According to her, Bellarks Polytechnic began as a modest skill acquisition centre in Utagba-Uno, founded by education advocate Chief Joe Ebinum, whose vision was to make affordable tertiary education accessible to the people of Ndokwa land. Over the years, the institution has evolved into a fully accredited polytechnic, with programmes approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Despite these achievements, the Rector revealed that the institution is currently under-enrolled, with just about 120 students across its three main departments, far below its approved capacity of 900 students. This shortfall, she noted, has placed a significant financial burden on the proprietor, who continues to personally fund staff salaries.
Prof. Uzokwe-Igbadi appealed for government support in key areas, including the sponsorship of youths for skill acquisition programmes aligned with the state’s MORE Agenda (Meaningful Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security), the provision of ICT equipment to strengthen the institution’s JAMB CBT Centre, and the donation of technical tools to enhance practical training.
Rector, Bellarks Polytechnic, Kwale
She also called on well-meaning Deltans and private investors to partner with the institution in its quest to become a hub for innovation, technical excellence, and youth empowerment.
The visit ended on a note of optimism, with both parties expressing commitment to fostering a productive relationship that will benefit students, the institution, and the broader Delta State community.
As Delta State continues to prioritize education and skills development, engagements like this underscore the vital role of public-private collaboration in shaping the future of the state’s youth.
