Abia State University Holds 2026 Inter-Denominational Thanksgiving Service to Inaugurate Academic Year

Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), on Wednesday, 21st January, held its 2026 Inter-Denominational Thanksgiving Service at the University Pavilion, bringing together members of the University community in worship and rededication to God at the beginning of the new academic year.

The well-attended service, themed “Righteousness Exalts a Nation,” drew principal officers of the University, some members of the Governing Council, staff, students, clergy from various Christian denominations, and invited guests. The event was marked by an atmosphere of praise and worship as the University community celebrated the goodness and mercies of God upon the institution.

Addressing the Congregation, the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Agwu U Agwu, represented by council member Dr Elele Elelenta, pledged closer collaboration with the state government to strengthen governance and standards. He praised the management and staff for steady improvements, saying the council was determined to position the university among Nigeria’s leading state owned institutions.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ndukwe J. Okeudo, in his testimony, expressed profound gratitude to God for His grace, kindness, provision, and divine protection, which he said have sustained the University over the years.

Professor Okeudo also commended the Governor of Abia State and Visitor to the University, Dr. Alex C. Otti OFR, for his genuine interventions that have translated into remarkable developments in infrastructure, staff and students’ welfare, as well as academic and administrative advancement.

He further appreciated the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, members of the Governing Council, Management, Senate, staff, and students for their cooperation, resilience, and collective commitment to decision-making processes that have placed ABSU on a faster lane of development.

“There is every reason to thank God for His faithfulness upon our lives and upon the University,” the Vice-Chancellor stated, noting that the theme of the service aligns with ABSU’s core values of excellence, discipline, and moral uprightness. He urged staff and students to uphold ethical standards in both academic and personal pursuits.

Delivering the sermon titled “Building the ABSU of Our Dreams,” the Vice-Chancellor, who also served as the preacher, anchoring his message on Proverbs 14:34 — “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to the people.” underscored the biblical principle that righteousness, expressed through justice, honesty, and selfless service, remains the foundation for sustainable national growth and institutional progress.

He called on members of the University community to embrace values that promote righteousness, peace, unity, and development, adding that building the ABSU of our dreams can only be achieved through good character and consistently doing the right thing at the right time, noting that “whatsoever a man sows, that he shall reap.”

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tertiary Education, Dr. Emeka Enyeazu, noted that without God, man toils in vain. He applauded the ABSU community for coming together to give thanks to God and assured that the University would continue to excel under the present administration in the state.

In a vote of thanks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Gazie Okpara, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Management, and the organising committee for hosting a successful service. He also thanked staff, students, and guests who came from far and near to grace the occasion.

The thanksgiving service featured prayers, scripture readings, choral renditions, thanksgiving offerings, and the presentation of an award to the Vice-Chancellor. 

The full complement of University Management, alongside some members of Senate and the wider University community, were in attendance.