The Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Friday, unveiled plans to elevate Abia State University (ABSU) into the top three best universities in Nigeria.
Speaking at a two-day retreat organized for the institution’s Governing Council which took place from Thursday to Friday, the governor emphasized the urgent need for a strategic plan to transform ABSU, which currently ranks 37th among Nigerian universities.
“We have a big challenge in our hands. We need to move from number 37 to anywhere between 3 and 1. But we cannot just throw figures in the air, we need a clear vision and a strategy to achieve it,” Otti declared.
The retreat, themed “Building the New Abia State University of Our Dream Through Excellence and Service: The Governing Council Approach,” took place at the Aguiyi Ironsi Conference Center, Umuahia, and attracted key stakeholders, including government officials, university administrators, and student representatives.
As part of his administration’s commitment to ABSU’s transformation, Otti announced plans for the construction of a new Faculty of Law and Faculty of Agriculture buildings, addressing concerns over the dilapidated state of existing structures.
He also expressed deep concern over the poor living conditions in the university hostels, describing them as unhealthy and unbefitting for students.
“I just got to know about that last night,” the governor said, referencing disturbing videos of the hostels. “I want to apologize to the students. We will move in to ensure that you have good accommodation.”
Otti assured that his government would act swiftly to renovate the hostels and called on alumni and other stakeholders to contribute to the university’s revitalization.
Earlier In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University (ABSU), Professor Ndukwe Okeudo, praised the governor for his administration’s unprecedented investment in education, noting that the 20% budgetary allocation to the sector in 2024 and 2025 had already led to free and compulsory basic education, recruitment of teachers, and infrastructural upgrades.
“That His Excellency made out the time to be present out of his extremely busy schedule speaks volumes of his commitment to transform the educational system of Abia State,” Okeudo stated.
He expressed optimism that the insights gained from the retreat would enhance the performance of the Governing Council and facilitate ABSU’s journey toward global competitiveness.
Representing the student body, ABSU Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Ugoani Emmanuel, passionately appealed to the governor to visit the university, describing the students’ desire to see him as a child longing for a father’s presence.
“I stand before you today not as the President of the University, but as a son in the presence of his father,” he said, quoting American activist Jennifer Lawson to stress the importance of leadership presence. He reassured the governor of the students’ unwavering support and urged him to grant their request for a visit.
Additionally, The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Eme Eme, while speaking at the retreat, emphasized the need for governance reforms and academic excellence, citing financial constraints, salary backlogs, and irregularities in admissions and grading as major challenges.
She commended the university unions for suspending their strike in recognition of Governor Otti’s administration and underscored the significance of the White Paper derived from an investigative panel’s findings.
“The report of the panel was very professional, and the government released a White Paper on it,” she noted, describing it as a roadmap for ABSU’s restructuring.
Professor Eme further stressed the importance of clearly defined roles between the university’s council, management, and other governing bodies, stating that their relationship would determine the institution’s progress.
THE WHISTLER reports that the retreat assembled prominent figures such as Chairman Absu Governing council, Prof. Agwu U Agwu, the first Female bishop of Nigeria , Right Rev. Nkechi Nwosu, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Eld. Goodluck Ubochi, Rector Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Engr. C.K Okoro and many more alongside principal officers, members of ABSU Senate, and other key university officials.
