Why ABSU VC Was Sacked, Abia Information Commissioner Clarifies

The Abia State government has disclosed the rationale behind the recent dismissal of Professor Onyemachi Ogbulu as the Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), attributing the decision to findings from a Visitation Panel established by Governor Alex Otti’s administration.

During a press briefing in Umuahia, Abia’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, clarified that the government had previously committed to fully implementing the recommendations of the panel once its report was submitted. In line with this pledge, the government approved the release of the White Paper report, revealing insights and necessary reforms aimed at addressing challenges facing the institution.

Prince Kanu further announced the appointment of Professor Ndukwe Okeudo as the new Vice Chancellor, effective from November 1, 2024. Alongside this, a new management team and governing council for the university have also been approved, marking the beginning of a series of reforms anticipated to reshape ABSU’s operations.

The newly appointed governing council includes prominent figures such as Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, PhD, as Pro-Chancellor, Mrs. Cathrine Uju Ifejika as Chancellor, and Dr. Onwubiko Dike as a council member. The team is rounded out with two Deputy Vice Chancellors, four Senate members, two members of the congregation, one representative from convocation, a delegate from the State Ministry of Tertiary Education, and a newly appointed Bursar.

“This visitation panel was established to identify and address the challenges within the university,” Kanu stated. “With these appointments, the first phase of our intended reforms has officially commenced.”