NEWS
“THIS IS A PROMISE FULFILLED” — Gov. Alex Otti Says, As He Commissions Upgraded 5MVA Power Station, Retrofitted Hostels, Flags-Off 10,000-Bed Hostel Projects, Faculty Buildings and Internal Road Network at ABSU Convocation Ceremony
LIn a bold demonstration of purposeful governance and strategic investment in education, the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has commissioned a series of transformative infrastructure projects at Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), including a 5 MVA power station upgraded from 2.5 MVA capacity, three fully retrofitted hostels A, B & C and the foundation laying of expansive 5,000-bed capacity female and male hostels, alongside the faculties of Agriculture and Law buildings, and a 1.8km internal road network.
The landmark ceremonies formed a central highlight of activities marking the 30th–32nd combined convocation ceremony of the institution held on Friday, March 27th, drawing an enthusiastic turnout of students, faculty members, and stakeholders.
Speaking during the event, Governor Alex Otti emphasized the core responsibility of governance as a problem-solving institution, reiterating his administration’s commitment to addressing long-standing infrastructural deficits in the state’s tertiary institutions.
The Governor described the commissioning of the upgraded power station as a significant milestone, underscoring it as a fulfillment of a prior commitment to the university community. He further disclosed ongoing plans to establish a dedicated electricity line for Abia State University, extending benefits beyond the campus to Uturu and neighboring communities.
“This is a promise fulfilled. The last time I came here, I gave instructions. That whatever it takes, we must connect Abia State University to the grid, until the time we will take them out of the grid.
“I think the capacity of that line is about 15 megawatts. So, I believe that work will start on that very soon. It is going to be a gas turbine, but with improvement and upgrading to renewable energy in due course. That’s a longer term project,“ Governor Otti stated.
Governor Otti also highlighted the progress made in the development of academic infrastructure, noting that the Faculty of Law project was already advancing steadily, while the Faculty of Agriculture would now accelerate to match the pace.
“and from today, the faculty of Agriculture will catch up with the faculty of law.
“I want to reiterate that it makes more sense for all the campuses to be here in Uturu. It is important that everybody is in Uturu, except Abia State University, Teaching Hospital, Aba,“ Governor Otti said.
The Governor explained that the comprehensive renovation of Hostels A, B, and C was part of a broader agenda to enhance student welfare, improve living conditions, and create an enabling academic environment capable of fostering excellence and competitiveness.
He further revealed that directives had been issued for a sweeping upgrade of facilities across the institution, expressing satisfaction with the pace of execution and visible progress recorded so far.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me start by thanking the University Authority of the Abia State University, Uturu for seeing that the directive that the government gave is being carried out,“ he said.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ndukwe Okeudo, lauded the Governor for what he described as impactful and forward-looking interventions, noting that the projects would significantly ease accommodation challenges while boosting the institution’s capacity for academic delivery and expansion.
He acknowledged the Governor’s long-standing vision to fully consolidate key faculties within the Uturu campus and commended his unwavering commitment to the holistic development of the university.
On behalf of the student body, the President of the Students Union Government (SUG), Comrade Emmanuel Ugwuanyi, expressed profound appreciation to the Governor for his administration’s student-focused initiatives. He further presented a symbolic gift to Governor Alex Otti as a mark of gratitude and solidarity.
The event witnessed a mammoth crowd of excited students who accompanied the Governor across project sites for the commissioning of completed works and the flag-off of new developments, reflecting widespread approval and renewed optimism within the university community.
The projects collectively signal a new era of infrastructural rebirth and academic revitalization for Abia State University, firmly aligning with the broader vision of Governor Alex Otti to reposition Abia as a hub of excellence in educati
on and sustainable development.