| Distinguished Professor E. Uche Ikonne, the 7th substantive Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, has officially handed over to the new Vice Chancellor, Distinguished Professor O. M Ogbulu in a brief ceremony on Monday 30th November 2020, at the Senate chambers of the University. Speaking during the handover ceremony, Professor Ikonne explained that the event is significant in the history of the University, after a successful five years tenure of his administration. He thanked the Pro- Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council, His Excellency, Senator Adolphus Wabara and other members of council for their hard work and commitment to ensure a fair and transparent process that saw the emergence of the new Vice Chancellor, Professor O. M Ogbulu. Professor Ikonne expressed gratitude to members of Senate, Staff and Students of ABSU, and particularly, the National agencies like Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), National Universities Commission (NUC) and Tertiary Education Trust Fund ( TETFUND) for their support and cordial working relationship with his administration, and prayed they extend same to his successor. The outgoing Vice Chancellor disclosed that his administration attracted unprecedented sponsorship and support from TETfund, both for the many ongoing infrastructural projects across various locations as well as research activities in the University, and expressed optimism that the bill for an education trust fund in the State which is going through legislative process will solve the problem of funding for tertiary Institutions in the state, when it becomes law. In his acceptance speech, the new Vice Chancellor, Distinguished Professor O. M Ogbulu thanked the outgoing Vice Chancellor for the opportunity and promised to continue with the ABSU positive story change mantra of his predecessor in all areas, ensuring greater discipline, improved security, expanding the academic content, ICT revolution, and building on the successes of Professor Ikonne for a better Abia State University, that will continually be ranked as one of the best, within and outside the shores of Nigeria. He solicited for the support of members of Senate, Staff and Students of the University to make this possible, while praying that God continually uplift the outgoing Vice Chancellor to greater heights. It will be recalled that the Governor and Visitor to the University, Okezie Ikpeazu, PhD, recently announced the appointment of Professor Maxwell O. Ogbulu, as the 8th substantive Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, following recommendations of the Governing Council, after a rigorous screening and selection process. Highlight of the ceremony was the official handover of the symbols of authority, as well as documents containing detailed information of the University to the new Vice Chancellor. |
