From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has inaugurated the reconstituted Governing Council of the Abia State University, (ABSU), tasking them on excellence and seamless academic calendar.
Chief Mba Okoronkwo Ukariwe is the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Council of the University.
Inaugurating the Council Government House, Umuahia, Ikpeazu charged them to lead out in the growth and development of the university as it occupies an important place in the comity of universities in the country.
He recalled with joy that the institution grew from the 97th to 26th position in the country as well the second best State university in Nigeria, adding that it recently won an award from Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
He said the sterling performance could only be sustained if students remain on campus with teaching and learning in progress.
The Governor disclosed that his administration recently released the sum of N200m while an additional N150m would be released in the next few days to support the University to pay three months salary of staff.
He informed on the occasion that his government has taken steps to tackle security challenges around the institution and it’s environs and urged the Uturu and the University community to support government’s effort in that direction.
The governor expressed optimism the institution would return to its rightful place under the new Council, assuring that his government was committed to regular release of subventions.
While congratulating the Pro Chancellor and members of the Council for their appointment, he urged them to work together.
The Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Chief Ukariwe responding on behalf of others, thanked the Governor for the honour done them and assured that they would not disappoint him.
Other members of the reconstituted Governing Council include Chief Obinna Njoku, Elder Chibuike Nwokeukwu, SAN, , Mrs Precious Achumba ,Chief Ndukwu Ndukwu, His Royal Highness, Eze Ogbonnaya Uwadiegwu, Mr Nwaro Kenneth Offor, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Mr Eze Ajuzie and Principal Officers of the institution.
The Deputy Governor, Ude Oko Chukwu and members of the State Executive Council, were at the inauguration ceremony.