The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, has urged other states in Nigeria to take a cue from Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, who allocated 20% of the 2024 and 2025 budgets to the development of the Education Sector.
Senator Ohuabunwa made the call during a visit to the Governor at his Umuehim-Nvosi country home, where he led members of the University’s Governing Council and management team.
“We’ve seen the (allocation of 20 percent annual budget to education) and we are asking him to do more.
“I’m not here as a politician, but I’m here, speaking as a Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of University of Port Harcourt which is an Educational Institution, so, it’s a way of appreciating him and advising him to do more in the area of Education.
“You know that I’m from this State and I have been part and parcel of the political trajectories of this State from 1999 till now and counting, so when I tell you anything, it will be difficult for anybody to contradict it.
“So, what I’m saying is that within 21 months, I think Dr. Alex Otti has done well and he is doing well. What we are saying is that we are encouraging him to do more,” Senator Ohuabunwa stated.
He emphasized that the University of Port Harcourt is ready to collaborate with the Abia State Government in various ways, including granting more Abia students access to pursue Higher Education.
Sen. Ohuabunwa who commended Governor Otti’s leadership, noted that within the past 21 months, the Governor has distinguished himself through remarkable service.
He described the Governor as one of the University’s most illustrious and prominent alumni, adding that the institution is proud of his achievements.
The Pro Chancellor, further stated that their visit was to congratulate the Governor on his outstanding performance in office, particularly in transforming the State’s infrastructure and changing the face of governance.
“I’m not just saying this because he is a Governor, if you check back during his days in the school and his academic performance, you will know that we are proud of him.
“He distinguished himself in the banking industry and not just distinguishing himself, he identified with the institution, his Alma Mater, and we are proud of him.
“So, we want to collaborate with him on a way that he will align with the institution quest and zeal to make sure that we are bringing Abia students into the University of Port Harcourt,” Senator Ohuabunwa stated.
He recalled Governor Otti’s contributions and lasting impact to the University of Port Harcourt during his time in the private sector.
Senator Ohuabunwa also used the opportunity to invite Governor Otti to the University of Port Harcourt’s Golden Jubilee celebration which would be held later this year.
He announced that, as part of efforts to bridge infrastructural gaps, the University would launch a ₦10 billion endowment fund during the ceremony.
Also, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Onwunta Georgewill, commended the present administration for delivering the dividend of democracy to the people of Abia.
Georgewill, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Clifford Ofurum, said that the governor through his achievements had made his alma mater proud.
Responding, Governor Otti congratulated Senator Ohuabunwa on his well-deserved appointment as Pro-Chancellor of his Alma Mater and commended his dedication to strengthening the University.
The Governor who used the opportunity to reel out some of the achievements of his government, stated that his administration’s efforts have been focused on restoring Abia State’s dignity and positioning it for greater recognition both within and outside Nigeria.
He also congratulated the University of Port Harcourt on attaining 50 years of academic excellence and assured them of his continued support in collaboration with other Alumni to further the institution’s development.
