Abia Govt Approves 800M for ABSU, Begins Lecturer Recruitment & Poly Promotions | READ DETAILS

By All Facts Newspaper - 20 May 2025 | In what appears to be a bold move to revamp higher education in the state, the Abia State Government (ABSG) has approved a sweeping set of interventions for Abia State University (ABSU) and Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, aimed at improving both academic quality and staff welfare.

Speaking during a post-Executive Council briefing at Government House, Umuahia, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, revealed that the State Executive Council, chaired by Governor Alex Otti, has approved the recruitment of lecturers across various departments in ABSU to fill longstanding academic gaps.

[caption id="attachment_189841" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu (M)[/caption]

In addition, the government has greenlit the procurement of modern engineering equipment worth over 800 million for ABSU's Faculty of Engineering - a move described by stakeholders as a game-changer for technological training in the state.

"This is in line with Governor Alex Otti's resolve to reposition ABSU as a hub for academic and technological excellence,ÔÇØ Prince Kanu said.

ABSU Projects Underway: Hostels, Equipment & Full Accreditation

The Commissioner further disclosed that the renovation of the Male Hostel at ABSU is nearing completion and will be ready this May, while work has commenced on the construction of a 5,000-capacity hostel, marking a major infrastructural boost for the institution.

On the academic front, Prince Kanu announced that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has released results of the October/November 2024 accreditation exercise, showing that ABSU secured full accreditation for core programmes including Law, Mass Communication, Agriculture, and Educational Management and Planning.

Polytechnic Breakthrough: Promotions Since 2008 and 100% Pass Rate

In what many described as an overdue correction, the State Executive Council also approved the first promotion exercise for staff of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic since 2008.

"This is the first time in 16 years that the staff of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic are being promoted. It's a major morale booster,ÔÇØ Kanu stated.

Furthermore, the state government has commenced payment of salary arrears to sacked and resigned staff of the polytechnic.

Even more impressive, the institution recorded a 100% pass rate in the 2nd National Institute of Science, Laboratory, and Technology modular exams (Phase 1) - with all 164 students passing. In Phase 2, 157 out of 158 candidates also passed, scoring a 99% success rate.

Technological Innovation and Curriculum Reform

Prince Kanu also announced that the Polytechnic has developed an online student clearance platform - eliminating the need for in-person processing - and has embarked on a curriculum review to include cutting-edge courses like Artificial Intelligence.

More Teachers Coming: 5,300 Recruited, More To Follow

In a related development, the Commissioner disclosed that 5,300 new teachers have been approved for recruitment, while the portal for a second phase of recruitment will open in a few days.

"The second batch of recruitment will begin shortly. Interested applicants should prepare for the portal to open,ÔÇØ he stated.

In addition, the state has inaugurated a panel to investigate the suspended Provost of Abia State College of Education (ASCETA), with construction works at the institution ongoing.

These combined efforts reflect a broad and strategic investment in the state's education sector, reinforcing Governor Alex Otti's vision of turning Abia into an educational and technological hub.