Governor Otti Engages ASUU Executives to Address Challenges Facing ABSU
Executives Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) from Abia State University (ABSU), Governor Dr. Alex Otti has assured his commitment to addressing the issues confronting the institution. The meeting, held on Tuesday, saw the Zonal Coordinator (ASUU National), Dr. Happiness Uduak, leading the delegation.
Mary Nwaeze 
In a recent meeting with the executives of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) from Abia State University (ABSU), Governor Dr. Alex Otti has assured his commitment to addressing the issues confronting the institution. The meeting, held on Tuesday, saw the Zonal Coordinator (ASUU National), Dr. Happiness Uduak, leading the delegation.
The union executives expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for consistently prioritizing their welfare since assuming office on May 29, 2023. However, they seized the opportunity to present several challenges faced by ABSU, predating the current administration, seeking the Governor's intervention.
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Governor Otti acknowledged the existing issues and assured the ASUU executives that his government would thoroughly examine the concerns raised. He emphasized the importance of resolving these challenges to elevate ABSU to a prominent position among tertiary institutions in the country.
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Surprised by the revelation of an "18 months salary differential" owed to union members between 2009-2010, as well as an 11-month salary arrear from the previous administration, Governor Otti pledged to investigate and address these outstanding financial obligations.
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While acknowledging the historical financial struggles of universities, Governor Otti encouraged the union to explore avenues for financial independence, suggesting that established universities should operate independently of government subvention.
He stated, "It is important that we put on our thinking cap and remove our begging cap because this whole idea of begging is the problem that we have in Nigeria. Even as a country, we keep begging, we keep borrowing, and we need to think of being financially independent."
Governor Otti's commitment to resolving the issues at ABSU reflects a broader effort to improve the state of higher education institutions in Abia, signaling a proactive approach to address challenges and enhance the overall academic environment.
