Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has directed the immediate construction of new faculty buildings and a 5,000-student capacity hostel at Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, as part of urgent measures to overhaul the institution’s deteriorating infrastructure.
Governor Otti, who made the announcement during an unscheduled visit to the University on Sunday, also ordered the demolition and reconstruction of the ABSU Staff Primary School and the establishment of a temporary learning facility for pupils.
Received by the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Professor Ndukwe Okudo, who accompanied him on an inspection tour of key facilities, including the old Law Faculty building and the proposed site for the new hostels, the Governor expressed shock and disappointment over the poor state of facilities at the institution.
Addressing a large crowd of students who gathered to hear him, Governor Otti apologized for the deplorable conditions and reassured them of his administration’s commitment to making the uyniversity more conducive for learning.
“I just came to see things for myself. And I thought I should take you and the University Management by surprise. I’m happy to see you, but I’m very unhappy with the state of the facilities.
“The conditions under which you live cannot allow you to do any academic work. For those of you who do well under these conditions, we must congratulate you”, he said.
To address immediate concerns, the Governor directed the University Management to adopt a phased approach to renovating existing hostels while work on the new accommodations progresses.
He also issued a three-month deadline for the construction of a functional cafeteria, noting that it is unsafe for students to cook in their rooms using kerosene stoves and gas burners.
Governor Otti further reaffirmed plans to relocate the Faculties of Law and Agriculture back to Uturu, disclosed that the designs for the new faculties and hostel had been completed, with construction set to begin within a week and a target completion timeline of four months.
“You are aware that we are relocating both Faculties of Law and Agriculture back to Uturu so that all of you will be in one place.
“The designs for the faculties and the 5,000 students’ capacity hostel have already been completed, and work will start in the next one week”, the Governor said.
He assured Students and Management that essential amenities like electricity and potable water would be prioritized to create a more suitable academic environment.
The Governor was accompanied on the inspection tour by the Mayor of Isuikwuato, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, the Technical Assistant to the Governor, Mr. Charles Egonye, and other Government Officials.
