It was a historic moment at the Senate Chamber of Abia State University, Friday 1st November 2024, as Distinguished Professor Onyemachi M. Ogbulu, the 8th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University, formally handed over to a new Vice-chancellor, Professor Ndukwe James Okeudo, in a peaceful and remarkable ceremony to herald a new administration in the University.
In his opening remark, Professor Onyemachi M. Ogbulu, thanked the Governor of Abia State and Visitor to the University, Dr Alex C. Otti OFR, for the opportunity to continue to serve as Vice-Chancellor after he took over the mantle of leadership as the Governor of Abia State in May 29th 2024, and for his interventions in the regular payment of salaries of workers, gradual clearance of back log of salary arrears, accreditation of programmes and other areas within the period of his tenure.
While welcoming the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council Rt Hon. Dr Agwu U. Agwu, the new Vice-Chancellor Professor Ndukwe Okeudo and others, he expressed gratitude to the management under his administration, the Senate, Staff Unions and the entire staff and students for their cooperation all through his administration and urged them to extend same to the new administration.
He added that the new Vice-Chancellor is a consummate academic with vast experience who is ready to take the University to higher level.
Professor Ogbulu assured of his readiness to advise and continue to make his contributions in other capacities for the growth of the University.
Speaking after the handover, the New Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ndukwe Okeudo who was accompanied by his wife, Professor G. N. Okeudo, thanked the Governor and Visitor to the University, Dr Alex Otti OFR, for finding him worthy to serve in a time like this in the University.
“No man can receive anything except it is given to him from above” he quoted from the scriptures.
The new Vice-Chancellor described the former Vice-Chancellor as a very broadminded and humble leader that made tremendous impact in the development of the university.
In his remarks, the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council, Rt Hon Dr Agwu. U. Agwu, extended the appreciation of the Governor and Visitor to the University, Dr Alex C. Otti, OFR, to Professor Ogbulu for his service to the University, adding that his wealth of experience is still much needed in the state in many areas and congratulated the new Vice-Chancellor for his appointment.
In their separate goodwill messages, former Deputy Vice-Cahncellor (DVC) Administration and now the Executive Director, NINLAN, Professor Ogbonna Onuoha, Professor Roseline Ndimele, Dean Postgraduate Studies, Professor Sunday Eze, University Chaplain, Dr Chidi Mba, Chairman ASUU- ABSU, Comrade Ojo Ezichi Obasi, SSANU Chairman, a former Council Member; HRH Eze Uwadiegwu Ogbonna, Mr Jones Ike; GM Abia Newspaper and SUG President, Comrade Almond Okezie, all lauded the former Vice-Chancellor Professor Ogbulu for his efforts in raising the standard of the university during his tenure and pledged their support for the new administration.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the formal hand over of the symbol of authority from Professor Ogbulu to the new Vice-Chancellor Professor Ndukwe Okeudo, through the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Rt.Hon. Dr Agwu U. Agwu
The full complement of Principal officers under Professor Ogbulu’s administration were present during the ceremony as well as members of Senate, Staff unions, royal fathers, Clergymen, staff and students of the University.
