Abia shops for new ABSU vice-chancellor

Abia State Government is currently in the process of recruiting a new Vice Chancellor for Abia State University in Uturu, with the new academic leader expected to take over in November 2026. The acting Vice Chancellor's tenure will conclude in October, prompting the commencement of the search. Governor Alex Otti announced this during a media chat with residents of Abia State.

The position has been advertised, and the recruitment process has already begun. The governor also revealed that provisions have been made for the payment of pensions to the next of kin of deceased pensioners, reflecting the administration's commitment to taking care of retirees. Otti mentioned that the state is also resolving to pay out outstanding gratuities to senior citizens who retired between 2001 and 2010, totaling over N60 billion.

The government is gradually tackling these payments, and a contributory pension scheme has been rolled out for over 36,000 workers in the state. Otti announced the imminent opening of the Citizens' Engagement Centre, a platform for residents to share their views on government policies. In education, the Secondary Education Management Board is being reconstituted to manage secondary education across the state, while 4,074 new teachers have been engaged to fill gaps in the system.

The government has also highlighted Abia's ranking as the top state in healthcare affordability and third in healthcare quality in the 2026 Phillips Consulting State Performance Index.