Abia State University Set for Major Transformation

The Abia State University Uturu (ABSU) is poised for significant growth and development under the leadership of its Pro-Chancellor, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, PhD. The university's Governing Council has approved several key initiatives aimed at improving the institution's infrastructure, staff welfare, and student experience.

The university plans to engage close to 300 new academic staff, and promotions for both teaching and non-teaching staff have been approved after a five-year stagnation. The promotion exercise is expected to bring joy to many staff members, with the announcement scheduled for September 1, 2025.

Two modern 5,000-bed capacity hostels for male and female students are currently under construction, while existing hostels are being renovated. Additionally, new faculty buildings are being built, and ₦830 million has been approved for the procurement of engineering equipment for the Faculty of Engineering.

The university has been reconnected to the national grid, providing a stable power supply. Students now have access to clean pipe-borne water, and the renovation of two previously dilapidated hostels has been almost completed.

The Pro-Chancellor reported that the notorious Okigwe-Uturu road has been addressed, and travel time is expected to be significantly reduced.

The process of relocating the Umuahia Campus, which houses the Faculties of Agriculture and Law, back to the Uturu Campus is ongoing. The Governor has directed that adequate infrastructure be put in place before the relocation is completed.

The Pro-Chancellor attributed the current industrial peace in the university to the efforts of Governor Dr. Alex Otti, who has addressed about 90% of the challenges that previously led to industrial actions. The Governor cleared 11 months of staff salary arrears, and the university's workers are expected to sustain the industrial peace.

The university is projected to admit over 10,000 new students in the next admission cycle, increasing the total student population from 20,000 to 30,000. The Governing Council is committed to ensuring that ABSU becomes a top-notch institution in Nigeria. By investing in its staff, infrastructure, and facilities, ABSU is set to become a hub for academic excellence and innovation.