The Governor, Abia State, and Visitor to the Abia State University Uturu, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, PhD has commended the Vice Chancellor Distinguished Professor E. Uche Ikonne and the University Management for the bold initiative of packaging the maiden edition of the ABSU Alumni convocation ceremony to celebrate and honor eminent and worthy alumni of the University who have distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavor, urging other ivory towers in the country to emulate the ABSU example.
Speaking during the event at the University Auditorium, the Governor and Visitor to the University, represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Sir Ude Okochukwu, also congratulated the awardees for the well deserved honor, conferred on them and encouraged them to see it as a call to greater commitment and service, not only to Abia state, but Nigeria in general.
He maintained that “Abia State University, Uturu, has remained and will continue to remain the University of First Choice and the States’ pride, given the array of outstanding personalities in all fields of endeavor she has over the years nursed, nurtured and given to the society for its growth and development”.
The Governor assured that it will not relent in partnering and supporting the University in the development of the state and in sustaining the vision and mission of the University for the Common Good.
In his address, the Honorable Chancellor, His Majesty, Begha U Tiv, Orcivirigh Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, extolled the founding fathers of the University, the past Governing Councils and former Vice Chancellors and Managements for their contributions to the incremental development and academic excellence of the University over the past 38 years.
He also expressed his satisfaction to the untiring efforts of the current Governing council led by His Excellency, Senator Adolphus Wabara for its supervisory role and synergy with the Management, while commending the present Management led by the indefatigable, transforming and focused Vice Chancellor for maintaining peace and enhancing academic and infrastructural development of the Institution.
The Honorable Chancellor explained that “Abia State University has over the years through efficient and dedicated Governing Council, Management and Senate done its best to produce quality graduates” and appreciated the contributions of the Alumni to the development of their alma- mata.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor, and Chairman of Council, His Excellency, Adolphus Wabara, disclosed that under his watch, the council remains dogged to ensure high academic standards, discipline and quality education in the University comparable to any other first class University in the world.
He thanked the Governor and Visitor to the University for reappointing them as Members of Council and for his financial and moral support to the University, while congratulating the Vice Chancellor and Management for the unprecedented achievements recorded by the administration.
The Vice Chancellor, Distinguished Professor E. Uche Ikonne, in his welcome address, expressed pleasure and fulfillment on the occasion stating that the event marked the success peak of the service delivery and mission statement of his administration, “Our Story must change”, and described the event “As an eloquent testimony that all major critical stakeholders of the University have come under one roof to build and enhance the future and fortunes of the Institution”.
Tracing the history of the Institution from inception in April 1981, the Vice Chancellor stated that so much has been achieved in the University under the leadership of the Governor, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu PhD “who is not just the visitor but by choice, a member of the academic staff at the rank of senior lecturer, pro- bono at the department of clinical Bio Chemistry” and has lifted the academic and moral height of the University by appointing a renowned academic giant and first class traditional ruler in the country, Professor James Ayatse, the TOR TIV V, Chairman Benue State council of traditional rulers, as the Hon Chancellor of the University, as well as assembling other accomplished men and women as members of the Governing Council, under the leadership of a former Senate President and foremost legislator, His Excellency, Senator Adolphus Wabara as Pro chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council.
He explained that the University has not just improved in Infrastructural development but also in academic content, mentioning the addition of the Faculty of Engineering with six departments, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, departments of computer science, medical laboratory sciences, Nursing sciences, anatomy, under his watch, “with the desire of his administration to establish local and international linkages that will help students develop the ability of critical thinking fit for indigenous technology that will proffer solutions to the basic primordial social problems in our rural communities” he pointed out.
Abia State University, Professor Ikonne further said, “Have achieved significant fame in the application of technology in service delivery system: We conduct E-Senate; on-line course registration; on-line fee payment; on-line uploading of semester results; on-line transcript transmission. Degree certificates collected on the day of convocation” and these achievements has improved the web ranking of the University from 93rd it was when he assumed office to 30 at the last publication, with ABSU rated 17th in the employability of its graduates.
Professor Ikonne thanked the Alumni for the confidence reposed on him that led to the unification of the various factions of the association, and congratulated the awardees for the honors well deserved, adding that the awards should be an incentive to them for greater zeal to the developmental activities of the association and greater relationship with the alma Mata.
Highpoint of the event, was the conferment of honorary degrees (honoris Causa) to the 4(four) recipients, Hon. Chief Umeh Kalu; SAN-Doctor of Letters, Nwapa Adaobi Stella(Mrs.)-Doctor of Business Administration, Dr Chinedu Anthony Umeadi-Doctor of Science, and Dr Chukwuemeka E. Orji – Doctor of Science.
