The Abia State Government has approved the recruitment of lecturers across various categories to address academic manpower gaps at the Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu. In a related move to enhance infrastructure and learning quality, the government has also approved the procurement of engineering equipment valued at ₦800 million for the university.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, following the State Executive Council meeting. Kanu stated that the decision reflects Governor Alex Otti’s unwavering commitment to revitalising education in the state and ensuring that tertiary institutions in Abia are adequately staffed and equipped to deliver high-quality instruction.
He further revealed that the state government is near completion of the renovation of the ABSU male hostel and other key facilities, while construction has commenced on new hostels with a 5,000-bed capacity, aimed at alleviating accommodation challenges on campus.
In addition, the Commissioner announced that ABSU secured full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for critical programmes, including Law, Agriculture, Mass Communication, and Educational Management and Planning, following the NUC’s October/November 2024 accreditation exercise.
Providing updates on Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Kanu noted that the long-overdue promotion of staff—some of whom had not been promoted since 2008—has now been approved. He added that the payment of salary arrears for dismissed and resigned personnel has also commenced.
On academic performance, Kanu disclosed that the polytechnic recorded a 100% success rate in the Phase 1 modular practical exams of the 2nd National Institute of Science, Laboratory, and Technology examination, with all 164 candidates passing. In Phase 2, 157 out of 158 students were successful, representing a 99% pass rate.
The Commissioner also announced that the institution is making notable strides in digital innovation, including the development of an online student clearance platform to eliminate physical bottlenecks. Furthermore, the polytechnic is undergoing a comprehensive curriculum review, with emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence now being integrated into its academic offerings.
He reaffirmed the state government’s continued dedication to transforming the education sector and ensuring that Abia remains a centre of academic excellence in Nigeria.
