Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, has formally ushered in its ninth substantive Vice-Chancellor, Amadike E. Ugbogu, following the transfer of authority from the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ndukwe J. Okeudo.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Agwu U. Agwu, presented Ugbogu to the university community on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at a welcoming ceremony marking the completion of the institution’s leadership transition.
Speaking at the event, Agwu described Ugbogu’s emergence as the product of a transparent and merit based selection process, saying the Governing Council discharged its statutory responsibilities in accordance with Section 12(1), (2) and (3) of the university law.
He congratulated the new Vice-Chancellor and charged him to demonstrate commitment, responsibility and teamwork in advancing the vision of the university’s Visitor, Governor Alex Otti, and its founding fathers.
Agwu also called on the university management, Senate, staff and students to give Ugbogu the necessary support to succeed in his administration.
He expressed appreciation to Otti for his support for the institution, pledging the university’s continued cooperation with his administration.
The Pro-Chancellor also announced the appointment of Mr Ojo Ezichi Obasi as Registrar, Mr Emeremadu Mark Amaefule as Bursar and Professor Samuel Ibenne as University Librarian.
In his acceptance speech, Ugbogu expressed gratitude to Otti for finding him worthy of the appointment, describing the responsibility as a call to greater service.
He pledged to lead the university with integrity, accountability and purposeful leadership, assuring that his administration would focus on measurable results.
Outlining his vision, the new Vice-Chancellor said he would work towards building an internationally recognised institution driven by academic excellence, innovation, research and financial sustainability.
He also promised to produce competent graduates, advance knowledge through research and strengthen the university’s contribution to societal development.
Ugbogu further declared that his administration would not tolerate nepotism, tribalism, discrimination or selective treatment among members of the university community.
He urged staff to remain committed to the institution’s development and encouraged students to take their academic pursuits seriously.
The Vice-Chancellor also called on alumni and friends of the institution to reconnect with their alma mater and contribute to its growth.
The outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Okeudo, commended Ugbogu for his contributions to the achievements of his administration, describing him as the “first among the best”.
Okeudo also expressed appreciation to the governor for appointing his successor.
In separate goodwill messages, members of the Governing Council, Sir Idris Korform Wabara and Professor David Chikezie, alongside the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ABSU Branch, Dr Chidi Mbah, congratulated Ugbogu and prayed for wisdom and guidance in his new assignment.
The ceremony also featured the formal transfer of the mantle of authority from Okeudo to Ugbogu, signalling the commencement of a new administration at the university.
