ABSU Governing Council Holds Historic Interactive Session; Unveils New Engineering-Led Infrastructure

As part of activities marking its 159th Regular Meeting, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Abia State University (ABSU), Rt. Hon. Dr. Agwu U. Agwu, on Wednesday, 17th December 2025, led other members of the Council to a maiden interactive meeting with the University community at the Senate Chamber.

Speaking during the engagement, the Pro-Chancellor stated that the primary objective of the visit was to engage directly with staff and students, listen to their concerns, identify areas requiring urgent attention, and further strengthen participatory governance within the University.

Rt. Hon. Dr. Agwu acknowledged the giant strides of the Governor of Abia State and Visitor to the University, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, in prioritising the sustainability, stability, and holistic development of Abia State University. He commended the Governor’s unwavering commitment to repositioning the institution through improved funding, infrastructural renewal, staff welfare, and supportive policies, noting that these interventions have laid a solid foundation for the University’s steady progress.

The Pro-Chancellor highlighted key achievements recorded by the Governing Council under his leadership in the last eleven months, which include:

• Improvement in academic standards through the successful accreditation of several academic programmes;

• Attraction of government intervention to enhance campus security;

• Ratification of the promotion of teaching and non-teaching staff covering an unprecedented four-year period (2022–2025);

• Approval for the establishment of new academic programmes, including Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Software Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Bioresources Engineering, among others;

• Resolution of issues relating to staff demonstrations and the International Schools;

• Securing approval for the recruitment of academic staff in about 27 departments, with non-teaching staff recruitment and other interventions underway.

He further emphasized that the Governing Council under his administration is student-centric, stressing that students remain the core reason for all activities of the Council and the University at large. According to him, “every effort will be geared towards prioritising students’ needs within the ambit of the operational guidelines of the school.”

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed Management’s commitment to staff welfare, academic excellence, and infrastructural development. He described the interactive session as a demonstration of the University’s resolve to sustain open communication with all stakeholders, assuring that the Administration remains focused on addressing genuine concerns raised by staff and students within available resources.

The Vice-Chancellor also commended the Pro-Chancellor and members of the Governing Council for their effective oversight and support, which he noted have contributed significantly to the positive transformations being recorded in the institution.

He congratulated the student-athletes for their discipline, resilience, and exemplary conduct, noting that their success at the recently concluded Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta has further enhanced the image of Abia State University. He assured the students of Management’s continued support for initiatives that promote talent development, sports excellence, and holistic education.

During the interactive session, the Chairman of ASUU-ABSU, Dr. Chidi Mbah, other union executives, staff of the ABSU Staff School, and the SUG President took turns to express their appreciation to the Governing Council and University Management, while also highlighting issues affecting staff welfare, learning conditions, and student development that require attention.

Also speaking, the Principal of ABSU International Secondary School, Dr. (Mrs.) Eze Christiana Ngwanma, expressed gratitude to the Governing Council for approving the reintegration of the Staff School into the University payroll, including the payment of outstanding salary arrears dating back to 2015. She equally thanked the Governor and Visitor to the University, Dr. Alex C. Otti, for insisting on the verification of Staff School personnel alongside other University staff.

Those present at the meeting included the full complement of University Management, the Provost, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dean of Postgraduate School, Dean of Student Affairs, other Deans of Faculties, Chairmen and other executives of ASUU-ABSU, SSANU, NASU, and NAAT, ABSU Staff Schools representatives, SUG and SRC Executives, as well as student-athletes who won medals at the recently concluded Abia State Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta.

Highlights of the meeting included the recognition of medal-winning student-athletes by the Pro-Chancellor.

After the interactive session, the Pro-Chancellor, members of the Governing Council, and University Management embarked on an on-site inspection of key ongoing projects across the campus, including the 5,000-capacity students’ hostel and the ultra-modern Faculty of Law complex.

The visit culminated in the unveiling of a newly customised University gate signage, constructed by the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, marking another milestone in the infrastructural and institutional advancement of Abia State University, Uturu.