The Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has assured that the Aba Campus of the Abia State University which will host the faculties of Engineering, Public health and Pharmacy of the University will be completed soon to allow the faculties take off effectively as revealed by Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
Speaking at the official unveiling of the Commemorative Plaque marking the Governor’s working visit to the Campus under construction, the Governor said the establishment of the faculties is in consonance with the enabling law of the University for the establishment of multiple campuses in the three Senatorial zones of the State. He said that of particular interest is that the Faculty of Engineering is designed to support manufacturing potentials of Aba and Ndigbo as a whole as well as to boost the SME sector.
He adviced youths from Osisioma Ngwa to take advantage of the new campus to acquire education.
The Governor stated that proximity of the institution to the indigenes will reduce the cost of education.
He promised to pay compensation to the land donors soon and to that effect he invited the Transition Committee Chairman, Hon. Ikechukwu Nwabekee, to bring along 30 indigenes of the host communities of Umuarakpa and Umuogbara Egbe including youths to a meeting with him not later than 10 days from today.
Earlier, the Transition Committee Chairman of Osisioma LGA, Hon. Ikechukwu Nwabekee extolled the Governor for doing so much for Osisioma Local government including construction of many roads, appointment of Osisioma sons and daughters in his government and the new campus of ABSU in the area noting that education remains the best investment that any leader can make for his people.
In his speech on behalf of the Vice Chancellor Abia State University, the University Bursar, Mr Chuks Nwogwugwu thanked the Governor for his support to the outgoing VC, Prof Ikonne which brought about the inclusion of new courses into the University curriculum, noting that the University has witnessed tremendous improvements in her academic coverage. He appealed to the Governor for the construction of access road within the new campus at Osisioma.
Also, in an address on behalf of the host communities, His Majesty, Eze Edward Enwereji thanked the Governor for his decision to locate the University campus in their community. He assured the Governor that his people will cooperate with the State Government and the University Management in every aspect. He then appealed to the Governor to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with them for prompt payment of compensation to the host communities.
The Honorable Commissioner for Transport, Chief Godswill Uche Nwanoruo, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief Mrs Ukachi Amala who are both indigenes of Osisioma Ngwa LGA, and other stakeholders from the area including the PDP Chairman of Osisioma Ngwa LGA, Sir Ihezuo Ihezuoke Ufomba and a former Chairman of Osisioma Ngwa LGA, Chief Iheyinna Mgbeahuru were present at the event.
