ABSU Vice-Chancellor Receives SSANU Delegation; Reaffirms Commitment to Staff Welfare and Dialogue

The Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University Uturu (ABSU), Professor Ndukwe J. Okeudo, has received a delegation from the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) at his office in the University.

Speaking during the visit, the Vice-Chancellor warmly welcomed the delegation and commended the ABSU branch of SSANU under the leadership of Comrade Chukwudi Madukairo for their cooperation despite prevailing challenges. He described their conduct as a true reflection of responsible and progressive unionism.

Professor Okeudo also highlighted the commitment and ingenuity of the Governor of Abia State and Visitor to the University, Alex Otti, in prioritizing the welfare of staff. He noted that the Governor has taken deliberate steps to improve staff welfare, including the liquidation of backlog of salary arrears, regular payment of staff salaries on or before the 28th of every month, due promotion of staff, and the allocation of a whopping 20 percent of the state budget to education, an unprecedented development in the history of the state.

The Vice-Chancellor further used the opportunity to call on ABSU union leaders to formally articulate and itemize their challenges for proper presentation to his office. 

Professor Okeudo emphasized that his office remains open for continuous discussions, deliberations, and dialogue aimed at advancing the progress and stability of the University.

Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Comrade Engr. Okey Animba, National President South-East zone, commended and appreciated the Vice-Chancellor and his management team for the remarkable achievements recorded in the University since his assumption of office.

He explained that the purpose of their visit was to conduct elections for various vacant positions within the ABSU branch of the Union and to formally familiarize themselves with the Vice-Chancellor as the Chief Executive Officer of the University.

The delegation leader also used the opportunity to inform the Vice-Chancellor of some challenges currently being faced by staff and appealed to him to use his good office to address them promptly.

In his vote of thanks, he expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for running an inclusive administration and pledged the continued support of the Union and staff of the University at all times.

Present at the meeting were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Roseline Ndimele; the SSANU Chairman, ABSU Branch, Comrade Chukwudi Madukairo; the immediate past Chairman of SSANU, ABSU Branch, Comrade Ojo Ezichi Obasi; the Electoral Committee Chairman ABSU Branch, Comrade Chris Mmadu; Comrade Nwosu Mbila; Internal Auditor/Co-operative Chairman, Comr. Bello Abdulrasheed, Rep. Zonal Secretary, and other staff members of the University.