The Law establishing Universities provides for a Visitor, who is usually the Proprietor of such Institutions. For Federal Universities, it is the President and Governors for State Universities. The role of the Visitor to the University in its developmental agenda therefore, can not be over emphasized.
Abia State University is highly favoured to have a Research-Oriented scholar, erudite Biochemist of International repute, former Head of Department, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) and an Academic Staff of the University, probono, *Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Ph.D,* as Governor and the Visitor, one who clearly understands the language of the Academia.
No wonder, the Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor E. Uche Ikonne, has repeatedly stated that Abia State University is enjoying her most glorious moment.
According to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, His Excellency Senator Adolf Wabara, Ph.D, Abia State University is gifted to have the Governor, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Ph.D, as its Visitor.
He described him as a Quintessential scholar and exemplary leader with enviable pedigree, whose ingenuity has greatly impacted on the exponential growth and development of the University and the State.
The Vice-Chancellor further disclosed: “We owe a lot of gratitude to the Eminent Governor and Visitor to the University, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Ph.D for his unprecedented commitment and active participation in the Academic and Infrastructural development of the Institution. The Eminent Governor has carved a nitche for himself in the Nigerian polity as the first sitting Governor who has successfully combined the inherent humility of a natural scholar, the sophistry of a Chief Executive at the height of a State Governor and a Lecturer in the University probono”.
As an Ambassador of the Academia, the Governor has not allowed the appurtenances of his exhalted Office vitiate his love for Education, nay Abia State University.
Professor Ikonne has attributed the achievements of his Administration to the unparalleled support and brilliant Academic disposition of the Research-oriented Governor and Visitor, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu Ph.D, who according to him, has demystified the art of Governance.
The Governor in his magnanimity has graciously engraved his name in gold in the University through the following;
🔸 Appointment of a seasoned Administrator, reverred Traditional Ruler and a Distinguished Academic, Tor Tiv, HRH, Professor James Ayatse as the 5th Hon. Chancellor of the University.
🔸 Assembled a star-studded Governing Council led by a foremost Administrator and former Senate President, His Excellency Senator Adolf Wabara, Ph.D as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council.
🔸 Appointment of a Celebral Administrator and consummate Academic, Distinguished Professor E. Uche Ikonne as the 7th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University.
🔸 Donation of nine (9) brand new vehicles to the Provost and Deans of Faculty to enhance their status and improve service delivery. This is the first of its kind in the history of the University.
🔸 Maiden Eminent Lecturer of the University.
🔸 Enlistment as Academic Staff of the University, probono, the first by any sitting Governor in Nigeria.
🔸 Sponsored the construction of Students Union Government Secretariat complex, from his own personal resources.
🔸 Foundation stone laying of a 4 Bed-Room capacity Guest House donated to the University, from his personal resources.
🔸 Regular payment of staff salaries.
🔸 Donation of 40-seater bus to ease Transportation on campus.
🔸 Donation of a vehicle to the Students Union Government (SUG).
🔸 Donation of power generating set to ensure improved power supply in the University.
🔸 Regular and personal attendance to Convocation Ceremonies in the University, not by proxy. This is unprecedented.
🔸 Assistance in the connection of the University to the National grid after several years of existence of the University.
🔸 Assistance in the movement and settlement of the Faculty of Law in the Umuahia Location.
🔸 Assistance in the Accreditation of Academic programmes in the University, especially Medicine and Law by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and relevant Professional Bodies and so on…
In appreciation of the great support and encouragement of the Governor to the growth and development of Abia State University, the University Community recently publicly presented a Book in his Honour: *”The Scholar in Governance: A kaleidoscope on Okezie Victor Chibuikem Ikpeazu, Ph.D”*
In his Address at the Public Presentation of the Book, the Vision Bearer and Vice-Chancellor, Professor E. Uche Ikonne, appreciated the Governor for his paternal love and support to the University and described him as a worthy Ambassador of the Academic Community in Governance.
Truly, there is joy, as the University System benefits, when the Visitor understands.
Please:
Keep safe
Play safe.
E.U.I- Good Leader, Great Achievements.
