The Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, has commenced the process of appointing its 9th substantive Vice-Chancellor with the inauguration of a six-member Search Team by the institution’s Governing Council.
The inauguration was performed by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Agwu U. Agwu, at the Council Chamber of the university.
The Search Team is chaired by Professor Onwubiko Dike, with Professor Anthony Obike, Professor Mary Oluchi Iwuagwu, Professor Sam Agu, Dr. Osita Igbe and Dr. Uchenna Kalu serving as members. Dr. Kalu will also serve as the Secretary of the committee.
Speaking during the inauguration, Dr. Agwu said the constitution of the Search Team was in line with the provisions of the Abia State University Law, which mandates the Governing Council to identify and nominate suitably qualified candidates for the office of Vice-Chancellor.
He urged members of the committee to discharge their responsibilities with transparency, diligence and fairness, while engaging in wide consultations to identify a competent academic with the vision and capacity to lead the university in an increasingly technology-driven era.
The Pro-Chancellor emphasized the need for the committee to recommend candidates capable of sustaining academic excellence and advancing the university’s development.
Dr. Agwu also commended the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ndukwe J. Okeudo, for what he described as his dedication and commitment since assuming office, noting that his leadership has contributed significantly to the institution’s academic and administrative progress.
Responding on behalf of the committee, the Chairman of the Search Team, Professor Onwubiko Dike, thanked the Governing Council for the confidence reposed in the members and assured the university community that the committee would carry out its assignment with integrity and professionalism.
Professor Okeudo, who was appointed by Governor Alex Otti in October 2024, officially assumed office on November 1, 2024, following the recommendations of the university’s visitation panel. He succeeded Professor Maxwell Onyemachi Ogbulu as Vice-Chancellor.
