Governor Alex Otti has vowed to fix the dilapidated infrastructure at Abia State University (ABSU) after an unscheduled visit exposed shocking conditions. He apologized to students and ordered urgent reforms, including hostel renovations and new academic facilities. Read full details.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has expressed deep disappointment over the deplorable state of facilities at Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, during an unscheduled on-the-spot assessment visit on Sunday, March 23, 2025. The Governor, visibly shocked, apologized to the students and assured them of immediate government intervention to upgrade the university to modern standards.
During the visit, Governor Otti, accompanied by top government officials, including the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ndukwe Okudo, inspected critical infrastructure such as the ABSU Staff Primary School, the old Law Faculty building, and the proposed site for a new 5,000-capacity hostel. The Governor was taken aback by the dilapidated state of these structures, exclaiming, “Thank God I came; I couldn’t have believed it!”—a statement that underscored the dire need for urgent action.
Otti Apologizes to Students, Orders Immediate Action
Addressing students who trooped out in large numbers to see him, Governor Otti lamented the poor learning and living conditions on campus, acknowledging that such an environment was not conducive to academic excellence. He offered a heartfelt apology on behalf of the government, stating:
“I just came to see things for myself. And I thought I should take you and the University management by surprise. I’m happy to see you, but I’m very unhappy with the state of the facilities. The conditions under which you live cannot allow you to do any academic work. For those of you who do well under these conditions, we must congratulate you.”
The Governor assured the students that his administration was fully committed to revamping the university, beginning with the construction of the 5,000-capacity hostel, which will be completed within four months. He also directed the University management to take immediate steps to make existing hostels habitable.
Governor Orders Demolition of Staff Primary School, New Construction to Begin Immediately
One of the most critical directives issued by Governor Otti during the visit was the immediate demolition of the ABSU Staff Primary School, which he described as unfit for learning. He mandated that a new, modern school structure be built immediately, while temporary learning facilities should be arranged for the pupils in the interim.
Additionally, the Governor gave the Vice-Chancellor a three-month ultimatum to construct a functional cafeteria for students, emphasizing that the current practice of students cooking with stoves and kerosene inside the hostels posed serious health and safety risks.
“I don’t want to see stoves, kettles, kerosene, and those kinds of things in the rooms. I will give you about three months to build a functional cafeteria,” Otti declared, receiving loud applause from the students.
Faculties of Law and Agriculture to Return to Uturu, Essential Amenities to be Provided
Governor Otti further announced that both the Faculties of Law and Agriculture would be relocated back to the main Uturu campus, ensuring that all students are housed in one central location for academic convenience. He revealed that the designs for the faculties and hostels had already been completed and that construction would commence within a week.
The Governor reassured students and faculty members that essential amenities such as stable power supply and potable water would also be provided to enhance the learning environment.
Government’s Commitment to Education and Governance
Governor Otti’s visit to ABSU was part of his broader commitment to revitalizing education in Abia State. Earlier that day, he worshipped at the Assemblies of God Church, Item Street, Umuahia, where he expressed gratitude to the congregation for their support since 2015. He assured them of improved governance and greater dividends of democracy in the remaining years of his first term.
Accompanying the Governor on the inspection visit were the Mayor of Isuikwuato, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD, the Technical Assistant to the Governor, Mr. Charles Egonye, and other key government officials.
Governor Otti’s firm commitment to ABSU’s transformation has sparked hope among students and staff, marking the beginning of a new era for the state-owned institution.
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