ABSU Hosts 80th Inaugural Lecture as Prof. Uduma Calls for Genuine Federalism

Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), on Wednesday, 19th November 2025, held its 80th Inaugural Lecture, where a renowned Professor of Political Science, Professor Dick Ogburanwa Uduma, made a compelling case for the enthronement of genuine federalism in Nigeria’s political system.

Delivering the lecture titled “Interrogating the Centrality of Machtpolitik in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic,” Professor Uduma examined the power dynamics that have shaped the country’s political journey since 1999. He argued that politics is neither inherently evil nor dirty, but has been discoloured by the actions and attitudes of political actors. According to him, the continued withdrawal of credible individuals from the political arena worsens governance outcomes and threatens national development.

Professor Uduma emphasized the urgent need for a holistic restructuring of Nigeria’s federal system to align with true federal principles, strengthen democratic institutions, and promote national cohesion.

Declaring the event open, the Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu described the lecture as a timely scholarly intervention in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape. He commended Professor Uduma for interrogating the forces that drive power relations in the Fourth Republic, stressing that transparent, accountable, and people-centred leadership remains the bedrock of responsible governance. Engr. Emetu reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the growth and transformation of ABSU.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ndukwe Okeudo, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Otti for his unwavering support to the University. He highlighted ongoing developmental projects including the construction of a 5,000-bed student hostel and the provision of a high-capacity transformer to boost power supply as tangible demonstrations of the governor’s commitment to the institution. He also cited the governor’s pledge to deliver a 10,000-megawatt solar installation to significantly enhance energy stability on campus.

Professor Okeudo praised Professor Uduma for attaining the pinnacle of academic excellence, noting that the inaugural lecture provided an avenue to showcase the depth of scholarship that earned him a professorial chair.

The event featured goodwill messages, presentation of gifts and tokens of appreciation to Professor Uduma by the Vice-Chancellor, academic bodies, colleagues, friends, and well-wishers, rounding off a thought-provoking and celebratory academic engagement."