Ikonne promises to prioritise ABSU if elected as governor in 2023
From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia
The Governorship Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Professor Uche Ikonne, has promised that his administration would prioritise issues concerning Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), if elected as governor come 2023.
Prof. Ikonne who is also the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of ABSU, made the promise when he played host to the Governing authorities of the University, at his Umuahia residence on Wednesday, July 27, 2022.
“As Vice-Chancellor, we worked so hard to achieve our mission of putting ABSU on the global lane that, as at the time we left, the story of the University changed for good. As Governor and Visitor, I will prioritise my services to that institution,” Ikonne told his guests from his former constituency.
Professor Uche Ikonne used the opportunity to advise the leadership of the institution to consider going back to classroom in their best interest, because of the little or no impact of the sympathy strike to state universities.
He analysed the relationship of State Universities to Federal Universities, in respect to the Federal Government impact, with a conclusion that while the federal universities enjoy all the benefits of the strike, the State Universities would go back to struggle locally to source their funding, thereby losing on both sides.
He also added that continuity of academic calendar attracts candidates to schools, with reference to University of Ilorin as the most preferred Nigerian University because of its disposition towards strikes.
Professor Uche Ikonne thanked them for the visit, with a promise that Abians would surely smile under his watch.
Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation who is also The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Abia State University Governing Council, Chief Mba Okoronkwo Ukariwo, told Professor Ikonne that they came to “pledge their solidarity, support as well as prayers to the actualization of this Divine Mandate.”
Recalling the Prof Ikonne years in ABSU, Chief Ukariwo said: “Your achievements as the 7th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of ABSU (2015-2020) are unprecedented, to mention, some of them are improved ranking of the University in the comity of universities in the country and beyond, Infrastructural development, not forgetting the Osisioma Campus of the University, introduction of new Faculties, Departments, as well as accreditation of academic Programs, Regular payment of staff salaries, and Promotion of Staff, etc.
“We thank you for this uncommon accomplishments, great sacrifice, and pray that our good Lord will continue to guide and protect you on this journey to Abia State Government House, as reward for hard work is more work.”
Also Speaking, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Onyemachi Maxwell Ogbulu, while thanking God for Professor Ikonne, encouraged him not to lose focus in his vision.
In their separate contributions, Chief Ndukwe Ndukwe and Barr. Chibuike Nwokoukwu, SAN, who said they believed in the potentials of the former Vice chancellor to change the Abia narrative for good, described Professor Ikonne as an agent of positive change, and expressed confidence that he would replicate his good performances in ABSU, in the entire State.
They further charged him to be courageous and prayed God to strengthen him with wisdom to accomplish the task before him.
The visit featured a special prayer for Prof. Ikonne, his family, as well as his gubernatorial ambition.
The Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate, Barr. Okey Igwe, the Director-General of Uche Ndi Abia Campaign Organization, Barr. Chinedum Elechi, the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Professor Ogbonna Onuoha and Professor Godwin Emezue, the Registrar, Dr. Acho Elendu, the Bursar, Elder Chuks Nwogwugwu, the General Manager, Abia Commnity ans Social Development Programme (CSDP), Dr Chinatu Njoku, amongst other dignitaries, were present during the visit.
