The Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has expressed utter shock and disappointment over the deplorable state of facilities at the Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, as he conducted an on-the-spot assessment of facilities during an unscheduled visit to the state-owned tertiary institution on Sunday, 23rd March.
Governor Otti, who vowed to arrest the ugly situation, was received on arrival by the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Professor Ndukwe Okudo. As he was ushered in by the VC, he immediately proceeded with the tour and assessment of the facilities. The inspected facilities include the ABSU Staff Primary School, the old Law Faculty building, and the proposed site for the new 5,000 students’ capacity hostels for both male and female students.
The Governor was shocked and utterly disappointed by the deplorable state of the facilities he saw on the ground. He exclaimed!, “Thank God I came; I couldn’t have believed it”, underscoring the urgency of the situation, making it clear to the audience that immediate action will be taken.
Governor Otti, while addressing the students on campus who trooped out of their hostels to catch a glimpse of their Governor, expressed displeasure and apologized for the unfortunate state of facilities in the school. He reassured them of his unwavering commitment to fix the school and make it conducive for learning, instilling a sense of hope in the students.
Governor Otti stated, “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”. The Governor acknowledged the students’ resilience and ability to excel despite the challenging conditions.
The State’s Chief Executive was accompanied on the inspection visit by the Mayor of Isuikwuato, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD, the Technical Assistant to the Governor, Mr. Charles Egonye, and other Government appointees.
Earlier in the day, Governor Otti worshipped at the Assemblies of God Church, Item Street, Umuahia, where he thanked the Church members for their continued support since 2015. He commended the Guest Preacher, Evang. Juliet Anyim, for preaching what he described as “Practical Christianity,” not the gospel that preaches wealth without work, where people will sleep and wake up and see money by their side.
The Governor assured the congregation of improved performance and greater dividends of democracy in the remaining 2 years of his first term in Office.
Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
