Not too long ago, the Abia State University community and friends all over the world, celebrated the ranking of ABSU, from 93rd, at the inception of the administration of the Vice Chancellor, Professor E. Uche Ikonne, to 45th, among all Nigeria Universities, and 2nd, among State Universities
And just as the ovation gathered momentum, the latest 2018 ranking of Nigeria Universities, puts ABSU on the 30th position, 15 steps forward, ahead of so many Federal and private higher institutions. Put more succinctly, in about 27 months, Professor E. Uche Ikonne, Vice Chancellor, and his management team, has moved the University, 63 steps ahead, to where it is in the present ranking published by (webometrics) one of the largest academic ranking website of higher education institutions.
This is made possible by the ICT driven administration of the Vice Chancellor Professor E. Uche Ikonne, the latest being the commencement of E-senate which has been described as a milestone in the University. Others include the robust academic activity in the institution with the delivery of inaugural lectures now at its 36th series, from 19th, on his assumption of office in December 2015.
These inaugural lecture series are now streamed on line, giving opportunity for people all over the world to be part of, and transferring scientific and cultural knowledge all over the world.The online registration of courses, as well as prompt release of results, the full accreditation status of all Professional Academic programs by the National Universities commission (NUC) and relevant bodies, prompt payment of salaries, the ongoing sanitization of the University from exploitation of student by staff, among other infrastructural developments, are achievements which has generated global applause with significant benefits to students, staff, parents and University community.
Professor Ikonne, has always stated that what is going on in the University is a kind of revolution. A revolution brought about by the academic brilliance of the Governor and Visitor to the University, Okezie Ikpeazu PhD, and Abia State University being the foremost agency of the state is taking a cue of what is happening in the larger state.
Now the University is ranked 30th among the entire Nigeria Universities within 27th months of Professor Ikonne’s administration, one wouldn’t be surprised to see the University move to the first 10 Universities before the end of his tenure.
Much as we desire this, much as we applaud these laudable achievements of the Vice Chancellor, it is important everyone – Management, Staff, Students, Parents, and all Stakeholders, key into this positive revolution taking place in Abia State University. As the Vice Chancellor often says, “You do not sleep over a revolution; you must strive to be part of it”.
Congratulations to the Vice Chancellor Professor E. Uche Ikonne and his management team. Congratulations to the entire University community.
Our story is indeed changing.
