Tag: Abia State University

By Caleb Okechukwu,

Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, has announced Friday, February 27, 2026, as the date for its 44th matriculation ceremony, marking the earliest matriculation exercise the institution has held in several academic sessions.

The announcement was contained in an official circular dated January 20, 2026, and signed by the University Registrar, Dr Acho Elendu.

According to the notice, the matriculation ceremony will take place at the university pavilion by 11:00 a.m.

Those expected to matriculate include postgraduate students who are not graduates of ABSU, all first-year undergraduate students of the Regular programme and the Institute for Continuing Education (ICE) who have paid their school fees, as well as other duly admitted and cleared students who, for valid reasons, could not matriculate in their year of admission.

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The university also announced that the cost of hiring matriculation regalia (gown and cap), alongside the brochure, is N15,000, payable strictly at the ABSU Microfinance Bank, Uturu. Payment must be completed on or before Tuesday, February 24, 2026, as issuance of matriculation materials is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The school further emphasised that matriculation is compulsory for all fresh students, noting that only bona fide students who have accepted their offer of admission, paid the required fees, and duly registered their courses will be eligible to participate in the ceremony.

Notably, the February 27 date represents a significant shift from recent trends, as ABSU matriculation ceremonies in previous sessions were held much later in the academic calendar. For instance, the 2024/2025 academic session matriculation took place on Friday, April 11, 2025, while that of the 2023/2024 session was held on Friday, August 16, 2024. Similarly, the 2022/2023 matriculation ceremony occurred on Friday, August 25, 2023.

The earlier scheduling has been widely interpreted as an indication of improved academic planning and administrative efficiency by university authorities.

Students affected by the notice have been advised to comply strictly with the outlined guidelines and timelines.

• By Caleb Okechukwu

Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), has inducted 125 new Doctors of Optometry at its 30th induction and oath-taking ceremony for the 2023/2024 graduating set, held on 12th December, 2025.

Declaring the ceremony open, the Vice Chancellor  Prof. Ndukwe J. Okeudo, who was represented by the Deputy Vice  Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Roseline Ndimele, charged the graduating optometrists to uphold professionalism and remain worthy ambassadors of their alma mater. He described the induction as the beginning of a noble and fulfilling career in healthcare.

The Vice Chancellor, reminded the graduates that society looks up to them to bring light and hope to people with vision challenges. He also appreciated parents, lecturers and other stakeholders who contributed to their training.

Speaking at the event, the Registrar of the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN), Dr  Obinna Awiaka, described ABSU as the flagship of optometry education in Africa and urged the inductees to strictly adhere to the ethics of the profession.

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In separate remarks, the Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Chuks Kamanu, represented by Prof. A. A. Nwankwo; the Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Chris Timothy; and the Head of the Department of Optometry, Dr Andrew Omaka, noted that ABSU holds the historic record as the first university in Africa to establish a Faculty of Optometry. They said the induction marked the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance and commitment to academic excellence by the graduates.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor and Administrator of the Eye Health Management Bureau, Dr  Betty Emeka-Obasi, highlighted the strides made by Governor Alex Otti,  in prioritising eye health in the state. She said the establishment of the Eye Health Management Bureau has strengthened optometry practice and eye care delivery in the state.

The best graduating student, Dr Victoria Nnoli, thanked the university and parents for their support and solid academic foundation, pledging that the graduates would continue to uphold the good image of ABSU.

Former Dean and winner of the Best Lecturer Award in the Faculty of Optometry, Prof. O. C. Ahuama, thanked guests and stakeholders who graced the occasion and urged the new doctors to remain good ambassadors of the university.

Highlights of the ceremony included the administration of the professional oath on the inductees and the presentation of awards to deserving individuals.

Tension, disbelief, and outrage have gripped the campus of Abia State University (ABSU) Uturu, following the shocking destruction of a lecturer’s office in what many suspect to be an explosive act of retaliation over a difficult Physics examination, CALEB OKECHUKWU(ABSU) reports

When the office of a senior lecturer, Dr Okezuonu Patrick Chinedu, was set ablaze in the early hours of a Sunday morning, not a few expressed shock and disbelief. It was barely 24 hours after 100-Level students sat for the much-feared Physics 104 examination. The fire is suspected to be a case of arson, carried out by persons who remain unidentified.

The Incident

Eyewitnesses on campus reported seeing thick smoke emanating from the Science Faculty building at dawn. Staff, students, and the university’s security personnel responded swiftly, managing to contain the fire before it spread to adjacent offices. Nonetheless, the damage was substantial. Years of academic work; exam scripts, research files, office equipment, and personal belongings, were lost in the blaze.

Although no one has claimed responsibility, student conversations and internal whispers suggest that the burning may be connected to dissatisfaction over the Physics 104 exam written just hours earlier. The course is infamous among first-year students for its complexity. As one student put it: “People cry after writing Physics 104.”

But this year’s anguish has clearly gone beyond tears.

Silence from the University and Lecturer

Many expected an official statement from the university authorities in the wake of the incident, but none has been issued so far. According to sources close to the administration, the matter is being quietly investigated, likely to avoid panic, or bad press.

The lecturer, Dr Okezuonu, has also refrained from public commentary. However, his response came in an unexpected form: the Physics 104 exam was rescheduled for Friday, November 21. This decision was posted without explanation, fueling further confusion and frustration among students who now have to prepare all over again.

A History of Tough Exams

This isn’t the first time students have struggled with Okezuonu’s classes. Among students, especially in science and medical departments, he has a reputation for setting notoriously tough questions. This reputation is not just based on hearsay, the numbers back it up.

Several members of the current 200-Level had previously failed the course and are now rewriting it with the 100-Levels.

One of them, Adaugo Paul, a 200-Level Medicine and Surgery student, didn’t mince words: “It’s very frustrating. Who else would go and burn a lecturer’s office if not the 100-Level students? We 200-Level students already have a lot going on, including MB exams to prepare for. Now I have to re-write Physics 104 again, wasting time and energy I should use for other things.”

She added: “I’m not saying we deserve to fail, but it’s hard to believe the number of students carrying this course year after year is just about merit. Something is wrong.”

Students’ Perspectives

The sentiment is similar among many. For some, the burning feels like a desperate act triggered by academic frustration. For others, it’s simply unfathomable.

Kingsley Osuala, a 100-Level Medical Laboratory Science student who hails from Kano and hasn’t traveled home since the session began eight months ago, expressed the exhaustion many fresh undergraduates are experiencing. “I planned to go home last weekend. Now I’ll have to stay an extra week because of this rescheduled exam. It’s frustrating and surprising. My experiences here in ABSU –and the Southeast in general– have been nothing short of eye-opening, sometimes in ways I didn’t expect.”

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Despite his concerns, Kingsley acknowledges that the lecturer was strict but fair. “I didn’t expect anyone to do this. It’s just an exam, though a tough one. This whole situation… it feels very wrong,” he said.

Measures to Forestall a Repeat

In response to the situation, the university’s security department has quietly increased patrols. Some buildings now close earlier, and staff have been encouraged to secure sensitive materials off-campus or in safer locations. Top administrators have also approached student leaders, urging them to promote peace and discourage any form of retaliation.

Who’s Responsible?

While all fingers point to the 100-Level students, the truth is far from clear. No names or groups have been officially implicated. But should the culprits be found, they risk expulsion, and possibly criminal prosecution.

The larger question, however, remains: what drives students to such extremes? Is it simply examination stress, or a deeper discontent with the academic environment?

A Campus Under Pressure

The incident has sparked discussions about student welfare, academic expectations, and mental health support. ABSU, like many Nigerian universities, operates under systemic pressures – overloaded curriculum, underfunded departments, and rigid lecturer-student dynamics. In such spaces, resentment and desperation often simmer below the surface.

While arson is never justifiable, it could be seen as a tragic symptom of discontent that has long gone unaddressed. Many now wonder: if dissatisfaction continues without dialogue, what might future eruptions look like?

As the university community processes this shocking incident, one thing is clear: something must change. Whether through improved communication, support systems, or academic reforms, ABSU must use this as a turning point.

The blackened walls of Okezuonu’s office stands not just as a testament to destruction, but as a call for reflection, intervention, and healing. Will the university answer that call, or will the embers of frustration continue to glow in silence?

For now, students like Adaugo and Kingsley will keep pressing forward, preparing for their rescheduled exam and hoping that the incident never happens again.

Following years of neglect, rehabilitation works are ongoing on the Okigwe–Uturu Road connecting Abia State University to neighbouring communities. Thus, it is a relief for students, staff and other residents who are always scared of commuting on the dilapidated road, CALEB OKECHUKWU(ABSU) reports.

For students, members of the staff at  Abia State University (ABSU), and even residents of Uturu community, the Okigwe–Uturu Road has long been more than a route; it has been a test of endurance, resilience, and survival. For years, this vital road connecting the university to neighbouring communities has been riddled with deep potholes, overgrown bushes, and a notorious reputation for insecurity. The broken stretch, left unattended for far too long, turned into a corridor of fear where kidnappers thrived, motorists held their breath, and dreams of a safer commute seemed like a distant wish.

“I used to call my parents before setting out on that road,” recalled Ihechi Nwachukwu, a 400-Level Political Science student.

“Sometimes, I would even share my live location because you just didn’t know what would happen. Several students had been abducted in broad daylight. The road wasn’t just bad –  it was dangerous.”

A history of broken promises

The cries of students, staff, and the larger community had often gone unheard. Despite its importance as the main route to ABSU’s Uturu campus, rehabilitation efforts were either half-hearted or completely abandoned. Last year, the appearance of heavy-duty machinery and a flurry of activity briefly raised hopes. For the first time in a long while, students watched as the broken asphalt was peeled away, trucks ferried materials, and workers began to patch sections of the long-suffering road.

“I remember that day vividly,” said Adaeze Princewill, a 300-Level Medical  Laboratory  student. “Everyone was talking about it. People were sharing the images of the under-construction road on WhatsApp, and we felt that finally, things were changing. We thought we would soon have a smooth, safe road.”

But that optimism was short-lived. Without warning, the construction teams packed up and left. The machines disappeared as abruptly as they came. The rehabilitation work stopped midway, leaving the worst section of the Okigwe–Uturu Road untouched, the very portion notorious for kidnappings, armed robberies, and vehicle breakdowns.

No official explanation came. Rumours swirled, some claimed there were disputes over funding; others alleged the project was caught in political crossfire between states. “At one point, we heard that the Federal Government had awarded a contract for the road,” said a student who pleaded anonymity. “But then nothing happened, the road remained the same: broken and perilous.”

A corridor of insecurity

The consequences of this neglect have been devastating. Over the past few years, at least a dozen reported kidnappings have occurred along this road, with many victims being students and staff of ABSU. Families paid ransoms, students missed exams, and the university community lived under a cloud of constant anxiety.

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Commercial drivers became wary of plying the route, especially at night. Transport fares skyrocketed due to the risks involved. “At a point, you would beg drivers to carry you,” said Emmanuel Sunday, a 300-Level Optometry student. “Once it was 5:pm, it would be difficult to get any driver plying the road, and if you eventually got, the price would be double of what it normally was. And then you also had this fear, because you weren’t certain the journey would be without any incident.”

The insecurity also discouraged visitors, curtailed academic collaborations, and hurt the economic activities around the university. Shops closed early, local businesses complained of declining patronage, and parents constantly voiced their fears.

The turning point

The turning point came when the Governor of Abia State and Visitor to the university, Dr.  Alex Otti, paid a historic visit to ABSU. During his visit, students and staff seized the moment to once again raise their concerns about the road, laying bare the risks, the fears, and the economic toll.

Moved by their plight and determined to restore faith in governance,  Otti promised immediate action. He directed the relevant authorities to commence rehabilitation work on the broken portion of the road, signaling a rare moment where words and political promises seemed poised to translate into action.

Following his directive, the University’s Governing Council, led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Rt. Hon. Agwu  Agwu, and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ndukwe  Okeudo, engaged with the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Don Otumchere, in Umuahia. After the meeting, assurances were given that the governor’s mandate would be implemented without delay.

Rehabilitation resumes

Nevertheless, the  assurances began to bear fruit. Construction teams have once again mobilised, and rehabilitation work has officially resumed on the neglected stretch of the road. The project, according to officials, will focus on the portion that had been ignored during earlier repairs, works that were allegedly the responsibility of the Imo State Government but were left undone.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the Federal Government had previously awarded a contract for the rehabilitation of this same road. Yet, nothing concrete was done until this new intervention by the Abia State Government.

“The governor has shown that leadership is about listening and acting,” said the University’s Students’ Union Government (SUG) Public Relations Officer, Blessed Pen. “This road is not just about convenience; it is about our safety, our future, and our peace of mind.”

Students react with guarded optimism

While the resumption of rehabilitation work has brought relief, students remain cautiously optimistic. Many still remember how abruptly the previous attempt was abandoned.

“We are happy to see the workers back,”  a student, Adaeze Princewill added. “But until we see the road completed and the kidnappings stop, we will not celebrate too early. We’ve been here before, our excitement was cut short. This time, we want action till the end.”

Others expressed hope that this intervention would also include better lighting, proper drainage, and long-term maintenance to prevent the road from falling back into disrepair.

Beyond the road: a  symbol of renewal

For many in the ABSU community, this rehabilitation project represents more than just road repairs; it is a symbol of a new chapter. Under  Otti’s administration, expectations are high that the university would receive renewed attention, and long-standing challenges would be addressed with sincerity and urgency.

“The governor said he would change the narrative of this university,” said the  Vice Chancellor.  “This is one step towards that. A safe road means safe students. Safe students mean uninterrupted education. That’s how institutions thrive.”

Local residents and business owners also expressed their gratitude.

“This road serves not only the university but the entire region,” said Madam Ijeoma, who runs a provision store along the route. “For years, we suffered. Goods would get stuck; transporters would avoid this area. With this repair, life can return to normal.”

What next?

As rehabilitation work progresses, stakeholders are urging the government to ensure that this is not just a temporary fix. The call is for durable construction, continuous monitoring, and, most importantly, a collaborative effort between federal and neighbouring state governments to prevent future neglect.

Some also argue that more needs to be done to tackle the insecurity that has already taken root. Better policing, community watch initiatives, and improved street lighting have been proposed as complementary measures to ensure that the road remains safe even after the construction teams leave.

For now, though, the resumption of work has sparked something that had been in short supply along the Okigwe–Uturu Road: hope.

“This is what we’ve been waiting for,” said Ihechi Nwachukwu, a student, smiling for the first time in a long while about the journey ahead. “Maybe, just maybe, we can start traveling without fear.”

• By Caleb Okechukwu

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has inducted 242 nurses from the 2019 graduating set of Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu.

The event, which marked the university’s 11th Nursing Induction and Swearing-in Ceremony, was held at the ABSU Auditorium.

Declaring the ceremony open, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ndukwe Okeudo, urged the new inductees to remain worthy ambassadors of their alma mater and uphold the principles of nursing practice. Represented by the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Dick Uduma, Okeudo described the graduates as thoroughly trained professionals poised to make significant contributions to global healthcare.

The VC  also expressed appreciation to the Visitor to the University, Governor Alex Otti, for supporting the institution, particularly through the construction of a 10,000-capacity hostel and prompt payment of staff salaries. He equally hailed parents and guardians for their sacrifices.

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The Registrar/Secretary-General of the NMCN, Alhaji Ndagi Alhassan, represented by Mrs. Stella Godswill, charged the graduates to practise with integrity, compassion, and professionalism. He assured that the council would continue to monitor nursing practice in Nigeria.

Other speakers included the Provost, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Prof. Chuks Kamalu (represented by Dr. Ebere Mbanaso, HOD Physiology); the Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof.  Chris Timothy (represented by Dr. Udo Ubani); and the Head of Department, Nursing Science, Dr. Peace Okoroafor.

They congratulated the inductees, reminded them of their leadership role in healthcare, and called for an increase in the department’s admission quota.

Delivering the valedictory speech, the best graduating student, Miss Chidera Okochi, thanked God for a successful academic journey and expressed gratitude to the university and her parents for their support. She pledged to remain a dedicated professional.

Highlights of the ceremony included the administration of the induction oath, presentation of licences, unveiling of the Nursing Magazine, cutting of the induction cake, presentation of awards to deserving staff and partner institutions, among others.

For years, the name Abia State University (ABSU) evoked mixed emotions among its students. While the institution stood as a beacon of learning and hope for thousands of young people across the state and beyond, it also bore the ugly scars of infrastructural neglect. However, Governor Alex Otti has matched words with action as the once old and dilapidated buildings have been vastly transformed. CALEB CHIEMERIE OKECHUKWU(ABSU) reports.

For students who lived on campus, the word “hostel” had long become a bitter joke– what was meant to be a home away from home was a grim reminder of how far public institutions could fall.

Life in the dilapidated hostels: a daily struggle

The hostels were nothing short of a nightmare. Broken windows, leaking roofs, cracked walls, and rusted iron doors greeted every resident. But these were the least of their worries. The bathrooms and toilets –if they could still be called that– were breeding grounds for germs and disease. Students often confessed that it was safer to bathe outside in the early morning cold than to step into the stinking, bacteria-infested bathrooms.

“To use those bathrooms was to risk your health. We had cases of skin infections, typhoid, and other waterborne diseases. At some point, nobody even complained anymore –it had become our reality,” recalled a 300-Level student who pleaded anonymity.

Over time, students adapted to this harsh existence. Those who could afford it rented off-campus accommodations, while others –especially those from low-income backgrounds who could barely scrape together tuition– resigned themselves to fate, enduring conditions no human should have to endure in a place of learning.

A visit that changed everything

Change, however, often begins in unexpected ways. In early March this year, Abia State Governor Alex Otti paid an official visit to ABSU. What he saw shocked him to his core. The man who had promised a new dawn for Abia State was confronted with the heartbreaking sight of the state’s future leaders living in conditions that could hardly be described as humane.

“I was almost moved to tears. These young people left their parents’ homes to pursue education, only to find themselves in an environment that drains their dignity and threatens their health,” the governor said.

That visit marked a turning point. Standing before the students, staff, and management of ABSU,  Otti made a bold promise: the dilapidated hostels would be demolished and replaced with world-class facilities. He pledged to construct modern, 5,000-capacity hostels equipped with state-of-the-art amenities.

The announcement was met with thunderous applause and tears of joy from students who had long given up hope. Lecturers welcomed the news, parents heaved a sigh of relief, and social media buzzed with excitement. But amid the jubilation, skepticism lingered.

When promises meet skepticism

Nigerians have grown accustomed to grand political promises that never materialise. For decades, campaign seasons are littered with empty vows and half-completed projects. But this was different –it was not an election period. Could this governor truly be different?

That question hung in the air for weeks, until something unexpected happened. Notices began to appear across the hostels: students were asked to vacate their rooms as construction was about to begin.

The news triggered a flurry of emotions –excitement, anxiety, and even fear. For many, the eviction was a blessing, proof that the government’s words were not mere rhetoric. For others, it was a logistical nightmare. Where would they stay? How would they cope financially?

“I was happy, but also scared,” said  Ebuka Eze , a 200-Level student. He added:  “I didn’t have relatives nearby, and off-campus rent is expensive. But at least, we knew something good was coming.”

The transformation begins

True to his word, the governor swung into action. Workers rolled in, and work began earnestly. Construction crews worked tirelessly, and within weeks, the once old and dilapidated building began to take a new form.

The new hostels promised to be everything the old ones were not. Modern architecture replaced rotting wood and cracked concrete. Each room was designed with functionality and comfort in mind –wardrobes, electric sockets, ceiling fans, and proper ventilation. Bathrooms and toilets were fitted with tiles and adequate water supply, a luxury students had only dreamed of.

For many ABSU students, this was more than a facelift. It was a restoration of dignity. “When I saw the new structures, I couldn’t believe this was happening in ABSU. It feels like a dream come true,” said Ada Uzo, a final year student.

The bigger picture: education and dignity

The transformation of ABSU hostels goes beyond bricks and mortar. It signals a shift in how the government perceives education and student welfare. A decent living environment is not a privilege; it is a necessity for learning. When students are forced to contend with disease-ridden facilities, leaking roofs, and broken beds, their ability to focus on academics suffers.

By investing in student welfare, Otti has sent a strong message: the future of Abia State is worth the investment.

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Challenges along the way

Of course, the journey was not without its challenges. Displacement during the construction period posed real difficulties for many students, particularly those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Some had to share cramped apartments off-campus; others commuted long distances daily.

There were also murmurs of discontent from skeptics who doubted the project would be completed on schedule. But as the months rolled by and the new structures began to take shape, those doubts melted away.

Completion and the call for responsibility

Today, as the reconstruction nears completion, ABSU stands on the brink of a new era. The once-dilapidated hostels have given way to modern, comfortable residences that rival some of the best in the country. For the first time in decades, ABSU students can look forward to living in spaces that reflect their worth and aspirations.

But with this transformation comes a new responsibility –one that rests squarely on the shoulders of the students. Maintaining these facilities is not just a duty; it is a moral obligation.

Otti said: “We have done our part.  It is now up to the students to protect and preserve these hostels. These are not government buildings; they are your homes.”

His words carry weight. The culture of vandalism and neglect that has plagued public infrastructure in Nigeria for years must not be allowed to rear its ugly head here. Students must embrace a new mindset –one that values cleanliness, order, and collective responsibility.

Beyond hostels:  a broader vision

The hostel project is only a piece of Otti’s broader vision for ABSU and Abia State at large. Plans are underway to upgrade classrooms, laboratories, and libraries, ensuring that students not only live well but also learn in conducive environments. The governor also has scholarship programmes, and partnerships, sponsoring students of Abia State origin, or residing in Abia State in tertiary Institutions .

For ABSU, the winds of change have finally arrived. And for students who endured years of hardship in silence, this transformation is proof that progress, though delayed, is still possible when leadership meets integrity.

A new chapter for ABSU

As the final touches are being applied to the gleaming new hostels, the mood on campus is one of renewed hope. Students who once dreaded returning to their rooms after lectures now look forward to living in spaces they can proudly call home.

The message is clear: education is not just about books and exams – it is about creating an environment where young minds can thrive. Otti has shown that with political will and genuine concern for the people, even the most neglected institutions can rise from the ashes.

For ABSU students, this is more than a facelift. It is a rebirth. And as they settle into their new hostels, one truth stands out: the days of dilapidation are gone. The future has begun.