Our Reporter, Abuja
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ndukwe Okeudo, and students of the institution have commended Governor Alex Otti for delivering on his promise to renovate the university’s hostels.
During an inspection of one of the completed hostels, the Pro-Chancellor described the intervention as “life-changing,” noting that it would positively impact students spiritually, physically, and academically.
He lauded the provision of water, electricity, and other essential amenities, describing the effort as proof of the governor’s genuine commitment to the welfare of students and the advancement of education in the state.
“This is just the beginning. The students should keep faith with the government of the day, support the government, read their books, and be peaceful,” Agwu said.
“More and more good things are on the way. If the managers of this hostel maintain it well, I am confident that in the next 20 years it will remain in good condition.”
Also speaking, Vice Chancellor Professor Ndukwe Okeudo expressed appreciation for what he termed a “total renovation” of the hostels, noting that the quality of work exceeded management’s expectations.
“The governor has given the hostels the finest touch, and it is a complete transformation,” Okeudo said.
“We sincerely thank him and pray God blesses him with more resources to complete other projects already awarded in the university.”
On behalf of the students, Miss Gift Onyinyechi Nwaokorie, a 400-level Mass Communication student, said the project had transformed their living conditions.
“The previous state of the hostels was terrible, with poor amenities that forced us to go outside for basic needs. Now we have light, water, reading tables, and chairs. We no longer need to go out for night classes or fetch water. This will encourage us to study harder,” she said.
The contractor, Mr. Victor Ochie, Chairman of Davnotch Nigeria Limited, recalled that Governor Otti was deeply concerned about the dilapidated state of the hostels during an earlier visit and immediately directed that renovations begin.
“Today, the difference between what was here before and what we have now is like night and day,” Ochie said. He added that the hostels now reflect global standards, with conveniences and facilities that will shape students’ academic and social experiences.
Ochie further revealed that his company had been mandated to extend the renovation to other hostels in phases, citing logistics and the need to relocate students temporarily as the reason for the staggered approach.
The hostel renovation project is widely regarded as a milestone in Governor Otti’s efforts to reposition ABSU and restore its place as a leading institution of higher learning in Nigeria.
