Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia has inaugurated the governing council of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) with a charge to facilitate the development of the university.
Speaking during the event on Wednesday at the Government House, Umuahia, Ikpeazu said that the university occupied an important place in the comity of universities in Nigeria.
The governor charged them to evolve programmes that would encourage excellence as well as improved productivity among students and staff of the university.
He recalled that the institution grew from the 97th to 26th position to become the second best State university in Nigeria and recently won an award from Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
He said that the sterling achievements of the institution could only be sustained if students remain on campus.
Ikpeazu said that Abia government had released the sum of N200 million to support the University in the payment of three months salary owed the staff of the university.
He said that plans were underway to improve the welfare of staff and added that government had taken steps to enhance security of life and property in the university and its environs.
Ikpeazu expressed optimism that the institution would record more achievements under the watch of the newly inaugurated council, and promised that government would ensure regular release of subventions.
He congratulated the Pro Chancellor and members of the Council and urged them to work together.
Responding, Chief Mba Ukariwe, the Chairman of the council, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, adding that it was an honour to contribute to educational development in Abia.
Ukariwe said that the members of the council would live up to expectation as they were poised to commence work immediately to restore normalcy in the university.
The members of the governing council include Chief Obinna Njoku, Chief Chibuike Nwokeukwu, Mrs Precious Achumba, Chief Ndukwu Ndukwu,
Others are Mr Ogbonnaya Uwadiegwu, Mr Nwaro Kenneth Offor, Mr Eze Ajuzie and the management of the institution.
