In a significant move to revitalize Abia State University, Uturu (ABSUU), the Abia State Government has appointed Professor Ndukwe Okudo as the new Vice Chancellor.

This appointment marks the beginning of an extensive reform initiative outlined in a recently released white paper based on the recommendations of a visitation panel. Announced by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the new leadership appointments will officially take effect on November 1, 2024.

Alongside Professor Okudo, the state has appointed a new management team and governing council members, including Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu as Pro-Chancellor and Dr. Onwubiko Dike as a governing council member. The administration has also named two deputy vice chancellors, four senate members, and a new bursar, setting the stage for a fresh direction at the institution.

The reforms aim to address long-standing challenges at the university, enhancing administrative standards and aligning practices with the National Universities Commission (NUC) guidelines. The new white paper reduces the Vice Chancellor’s contract approval limit from N50 million to N10 million and mandates that the university’s budget be submitted to the council for review and approval. This restructuring is expected to improve fiscal responsibility and accountability within the institution.

Additionally, the government has ordered a full investigation into the awarding of higher degrees at ABSUU to ensure standards are rigorously upheld. The white paper also recommends discontinuing personal salary payments to former staff members serving in other agencies, a practice that has been criticized for inflating operational costs.

These reforms underscore the state government’s commitment to strengthening ABSUU’s academic and administrative functions, enhancing its role in providing quality education and effective management. The government hopes that this new leadership and policy framework will reinvigorate the university, fostering an environment that is conducive to academic excellence and operational transparency.

Governor Alex Otti’s administration sees this as a critical step toward empowering ABSUU to better serve its students, faculty, and the Abia State community at large.