More changes may be carried out at Abia State University, Uturu, following the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor and other members of the institution’s management team.
This follows the release and publication of the White Paper report of the full visitation panel to Abia State University, Uturu.
Governor Alex Otti approved the appointment of Professor Ndukwe Okeudo as the new Vice-Chancellor to replace Professor Maxwell Ogbulu, who has been removed.
He also appointed Agwu U. Agwu as Pro-Chancellor, Mrs. Cathrine Uju Ifejika as Chancellor, Onwubiko Dike as a member of the Governing Council, along with two Deputy Vice-Chancellors, four members of the Senate, two members of the congregation, one member of the convocation, a representative from the Abia State Ministry of Tertiary Education, and a new Bursar.
Their appointments take effect from tomorrow, November 1, 2024.
DAILY POST gathered from a reliable source that the appointment of the new management team is a gateway to the full reforms the State government plans to implement at the school.
The reforms, according to the source, aim to elevate the university to international standards and help it regain its former glory.
However, the source, who requested anonymity, noted that while the ongoing reforms have garnered commendations from some staff, others are concerned about possible undue executive interference with the university’s independence.
Speaking to journalists on Monday at Government House Umuahia, Abia State Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, stated that the removal of the former Vice-Chancellor and other top officials was the first step in a series of reforms at the school, as recommended by the Visitation Panel report.
“You are aware that the visitation panel was put in place to identify the university’s issues and propose solutions.
“The first in the series of reforms has commenced with the appointments that have been made,” the Information Commissioner said.