The outgoing Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University (ABSU), Professor Ndukwe J. Okeudo, has reflected on the challenges he encountered upon assuming office, expressing gratitude to the Abia State Government and university authorities for their support during his time in office.
Okeudo spoke during his send-forth ceremony on Friday, where he recalled that settling into the official Vice-Chancellor’s residence was initially difficult at the onset. So he had to report to the school from Owerri before settling in.
“The university initially lacked the financial resources to replace the items when he assumed office, but expressed gratitude to the Abia State Government and university authorities for their eventual support in furnishing the residence and providing the necessary facilities”Okeudo said.
Professor Austin Akpuda, who presented Okeudo’s profile, highlighted his contributions to academic development, including a reported 100 per cent accreditation success, the elevation of faculties and improvements in research activities.
In his performance report, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor said his administration worked towards restoring academic standards, institutional discipline and merit-based administrative processes.
One of the key developments highlighted was the restoration of ABSU’s access to Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) interventions, particularly Institution-Based Research funding, staff training and conference participation.
The achievements of the outgoing Vice Chancellor includes, the establishment of the Faculty of Computing and Cybernetic Sciences, which is expected to strengthen the university’s academic offerings in emerging technology fields, including Computer Science, Information and Communication Technology, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.
The National Universities Commission approving 10 new academic programmes for the 2026/2027 academic session in September 2026. Among the programmes listed were postgraduate qualifications in Nursing Sciences and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Security Studies.
Beyond the institutional achievements, Okeudo reflected on some of the difficulties he encountered when he assumed office, including the state of the official Vice-Chancellor’s residence.
The representative of the institutions both academic and non academic staff praised the outgoing Vice Chancellor’s humility and support for the committee, while presenting gifts in appreciation of his service.
The ceremony also featured tributes from student representatives, who acknowledged the outgoing Vice Chancellor’s relationship with the student community.
Speaking on behalf of more than 30,000 students, the Students’ Union Government President, Comrade Victor Chukwuemeka Uzoma, described Okeudo as an accessible leader who maintained a fatherly relationship with students.
He credited the administration with contributing to the stability of the academic calendar, renovation of student hostels and a peaceful atmosphere on campus with the help of the Abia State Governor Alex Otti.
A former Students’ Union Government President, Emmanuel Ugonna, also thanked Okeudo, the Deputy Vice-Chancellors and the Pro-Chancellor for their contributions to the university community.
The Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Agwu U. Agwu, explained that Okeudo’s departure after two years, rather than a five-year tenure, was connected to the age limit, as he would exceed 70 before the end of a full five-year term.
Agwu said the decision to leave was accepted by Governor Alex Otti, adding that the Governing Council had completed its constitutional responsibility of recommending a successor to the governor.
He also acknowledged professors from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), who attended the ceremony to celebrate Okeudo. He expressed appreciation for their presence .
Agwu commended his integrity and firmness, saying his administration had laid a foundation for the university’s ambition to rank among the leading state universities in the country.
The ceremony marked the end of Okeudo’s administration at ABSU, with members of the university community recognising his contributions and wishing him well in his next assignment.
