The Governing Council of Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, has held a town hall meeting with members of the university community as part of efforts to strengthen engagement, promote transparency and address pressing issues affecting the institution.
The meeting brought together the university management, senate, staff unions, student leaders and other stakeholders to discuss matters of common interest capable of promoting industrial harmony and advancing the university.
Speaking at the forum, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, said the initiative reflects the Council’s commitment to inclusiveness and a student-centred administration. He explained that the town hall provides a platform for open dialogue on challenges facing the university and collective solutions.
Agwu noted that the Council, which assumed office in November 2024, inherited several academic and administrative challenges, including poor staff motivation, decaying infrastructure, insecurity, salary arrears, declining academic standards and low student enrolment.
He said while some issues have been addressed, others will be resolved gradually as funds become available.
Representatives of staff unions—ASUU, NASU and SSANU—raised concerns over outstanding salary claims, earned academic allowances, check-off dues and the re-engagement of staff disengaged in 2023, urging the Council to intervene.
The Principal of the ABSU Staff School, Dr. (Mrs.) Christiana Eze, announced that a long-standing salary structure problem affecting staff of the Demonstration and International Schools had been resolved after 11 years.
Student Union President, Comrade Ugonna Emma Ugoani, commended the Governing Council for involving students in the meeting, describing the town hall as a long-overdue platform for stakeholder engagement.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ndukwe Okeudo, expressed appreciation for the support of the Governing Council and the Abia State Governor and Visitor to the university, Dr. Alex Otti.
During the meeting, the university also honoured 66 students who won 42 medals at the maiden Abia State Tertiary Education Games in Umuahia, rewarding them with ₦1 million.
The Governing Council later inspected ongoing projects on campus, including the students’ hostel and the Faculty of Law building.
At its 159th regular meeting held the following day, the Council disclosed that approval granted by the Visitor to recruit at least 200 academic staff has been implemented.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
