Gov Otti Urges ABSU Management to Pursue Financial Independence
In a recent meeting with executives of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Abia State University (ABSU), Governor Alex Otti emphasized the need for the institution to strive for financial independence rather than relying solely on government funding.
Mary Nwaeze 
In a recent meeting with executives of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Abia State University (ABSU), Governor Alex Otti emphasized the need for the institution to strive for financial independence rather than relying solely on government funding.
During the meeting, Governor Otti assured the ABSU management of his administration's commitment to addressing the challenges facing the university. However, he urged the university to innovate and explore alternative revenue sources to sustain itself.
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Expressing concern over salary differentials and arrears owed to lecturers, Governor Otti underscored the importance of universities operating independently of government subvention. He urged ASUU members to prioritize strategies for financial self-sufficiency, emphasizing the need for a shift away from dependency on external funding.
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Governor Otti highlighted the significance of research as a potential revenue generator for the university, emphasizing the need for ABSU to explore avenues for generating resources internally.
"We need to put on our thinking cap and remove our begging cap because this whole idea of begging is the problem that we have in Nigeria," Governor Otti remarked. "Let us rechannel our ABSU ASUU to begin to think of how they can contribute to making the university independent, and I will support you."
Governor Otti also pledged to engage with the university management to address governance issues and strengthen the institution's corporate governance structure.
The governor's call for financial independence comes amidst ongoing efforts to revitalize ABSU and position it as a leading institution of higher learning in Nigeria.
