By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
Abia State Governor, Alex Chioma Otti, has commissioned key infrastructure projects and flagged off new developments at Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, as part of activities marking the institution’s combined 30th to 32nd convocation ceremony.
The projects commissioned include an upgraded 5MVA power station—refurbished from its former 2.5MVA capacity—and three retrofitted student hostels (A, B, and C).
The governor also performed foundation-laying ceremonies for a 5,000-bed female hostel, a 5,000-bed male hostel, new Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Law buildings, as well as a 1.8-kilometre internal road network.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Njoku Ukoha, the events took place on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the university campus.
Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Otti said the projects underscore his administration’s commitment to solving critical infrastructure challenges in the state’s education sector.
He described the upgraded power station as a “promise fulfilled,” noting that it would significantly improve electricity supply to the university and surrounding communities.
The governor further disclosed plans for a dedicated power line with a projected capacity of about 15 megawatts.
According to him, the long-term plan includes the development of a gas turbine system, with future integration of renewable energy sources.
Governor Otti also emphasized the importance of consolidating ABSU’s academic activities at its Uturu campus, except for the teaching hospital in Aba, to enhance administrative efficiency and academic coordination.
On student welfare, the governor said the renovation of the hostels was aimed at improving living conditions and creating a conducive learning environment.
He added that his administration had directed a comprehensive upgrade of facilities across the institution.
“I must commend the university management for ensuring that government directives are being effectively implemented,” he said.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Ndukwe Okeudo, expressed appreciation to the governor for the interventions, noting that the projects would ease accommodation shortages and strengthen the university’s capacity.
He also lauded the governor’s commitment to relocating key faculties to Uturu, describing it as a strategic move for institutional growth.
Speaking on behalf of the students, the Students’ Union Government President, Comrade Emmanuel Ugwuanyi, commended the governor for his efforts in improving student welfare and presented him with a gift as a token of appreciation.
The commissioning and groundbreaking ceremonies attracted a large turnout of students and staff, who accompanied the governor on an inspection of the completed and proposed project sites.
