Assuring to address challenges facing Abia State University (ABSU), Governor Alex Otti encouraged the institution to become self-sustainable and generate its own revenue. He emphasized the need for ABSU to evolve strategies for financial independence instead of constantly seeking external funds.
During a meeting with the executives of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) ABSU Chapter, led by Dr Happiness Uduak, Otti expressed surprise over salary differentials and arrears owed to lecturers. He stressed the importance of universities operating independently and urged ASUU members to innovate means for financial sustainability.
“It is important that we put on our thinking cap and remove our begging cap because this whole idea of begging is the problem that we have in Nigeria,” Otti stated. He emphasized the need for universities to prioritize financial independence through research and resource generation to support their activities.
Emphasizing the sustainability of financial independence, Otti expressed commitment to collaborating with the university management to enhance corporate governance and address outstanding issues. He assured the establishment of a visitation panel at the university and pledged to consider the union’s request for increased subvention.
In her address, Dr Uduak commended Governor Otti for his developmental projects and requested action on salary arrears, an upward review of subvention, and renegotiation of salaries. The union appealed for a visitation panel to address issues at the institution and the poor road leading to the university.