Otti inaugurates power project, three hostels, flags off new projects in ABSU

The atmosphere in Abia State University, Uturu, last Friday was exhilarating, as Governor Alex Otti inaugurated a 5.0 MVA power station, which was upgraded and refurbished from 2.5 MVA capacity.

Governor Otti also inaugurated three retrofitted hostels (A, B and C) and performed the foundation laying ceremony of the 5,000-bed female hostel, 5,000-bed male hostel, Faculties of Agriculture and Law buildings, as well as 1.8 internal road project in the university.

Speaking at the event, which was part of activities marking the 30th – 32nd combined convocation ceremony of ABSU, the governor said the essence of government was to solve problems.

Otti noted that the power station was a promise fulfilled, disclosing that he had signed a contract for a dedicated line for Abia State University that would not only serve the institution, but also serve Uturu and adjoining communities.

“This is a promise fulfilled. The last time I came here, I gave instructions. That whatever it takes, we must connect Abia State University to the grid, until the time we will take them out of the grid.

“I think the capacity of that line is about 15 megawatts. So, I believe that work will start on that soon. It is going to be a gas turbine, but with improvement and upgrading to renewable energy in due course. That’s a longer term project,” Governor Otti stated.

He noted that the Faculty of Law had already started making progress in terms of construction, “and from today, the Faculty of Agriculture will catch up with the Faculty of Law.

“I want to reiterate that it makes more sense for all the campuses to be here in Uturu. It is important that everybody is in Uturu, except Abia State University, Teaching Hospital, Aba.”

He noted that the retrofitted Hostels A, B and C, which were done by his administration was aimed at improving living conditions for the students and enhancing the learning environment, as well as attract better academic excellence.

The governor said he had directed the upgrade of facilities in the institution, saying that he was glad that the project was already gaining momentum.

He thanked the university authority for seeing that the directive that the government gave was being carried out.

Ndukwe Okeudo, a professor and Vice Chancellor of the University, thanked the governor for the initiatives, noting that the interventions would ease accommodation challenges and strengthen capacity at the university.

Okuedo said that it was the desire of the governor that the Faculties of Law and Agriculture would have moved to Uturu earlier and applauded the governor’s passionate desire to see to the development of the university.

Emmanuel Ugwuanyi, President of the Students Union Government (SUG) of the university, on behalf of the students, thanked the Governor Otti for all he had done for the students and presented him with a gift from the students.

A mammoth crowd of the students followed the governor to commission the completed projects and flag-off new projects.